NewYorkTimesandUSATODAYbestsellingauthorDIANA
PALMERreturnswithafierynewcouple!

WolfPattersonandSaraBrandonarearchenemiesfromagesago,butmischievousfatehasbrought
thetallrancherwiththepaleblueeyestogetherwiththedark-hairedbeauty—onnearbyWyomingand
Texasranches.Atfirst,sparksfly,butdespiteWolf’smisguidednotionsaboutthespiritedSaraand
herindignanceovertheassortedinjusticeshehasthrownherway,atruce—ofsorts—forms.
SuddenlySaranoticesWolf’sface,whilenotconventionallyhandsome,drawsherlikenootherman
haseverattractedher.AndWolfseesintothevulnerablesoulthatSarahidesfromtherestofthe
world.

Theyaretwopassionatepeoplewithatalentforfallingout.Willlovebethesparktheyneedtocreate
whattheybothwantthemost…afamily?

PraiseforthenovelsofNewYorkTimesandUSATODAYbestselling

author

DIANAPALMER

“ThepopularPalmerhaspennedanotherwinningnovel,aperfectblendofromanceandsuspense.”

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—RomanceReviewsTodayonProtector

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herowhoisnotpicture-perfectinlooksorinstincts,andaheroinewhoacceptsherprivilegedlifeyet

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CominginDecember

TheMorcaiBattalion:TheRecruit

DIANA

PALMER

WyomingStrong

DearReader,

Iamplaguedwithinsomnia.Itseemstoruninmyfamily.SomenightsIdon’tsleep.Onemorningat
3:00a.m.whenIwaswide-awake,Isawayoungmanwithdarkeyesandbeautifullonghairinashot
onYouTube,auditioningforBritain’sGotTalent.Besidehimwasalovelyyoungwoman.The
captionwassomethingaboutashyboycaptivatingthejudges.SoIclickedonit.Mr.Antoinewas
pickedoninschool.Thisvideoiseveryhurtchild’striumph.

IbawledthefirsttimeIheardit.Todate,Ihavewatcheditatleastfifteentimes(alongwith48million
otherpeople).Theyoungman’snameisJonathanAntoine.HispartnerwasCharlotteJaconelli,a
fellowmusicstudent.TheyauditionedasCharlotteandJonathanonBritain’sGotTalentin2012.Both
haverecordingcontractsnow.IsincerelyhopethatMr.AntoinehastheattentionoftheMetropolitan
Opera.Ihaveneverinmylifeheardsuchavoice.

Thisbookwhichyouareabouttoreadisonethatvirtuallywroteitself.Itisabouttwoverydamaged
peoplewhogrowtogetheroutoftheirowntragedies.WolfPattersonandSaraBrandonwere
introducedinTexasBorn,mySilhouetteSpecialEditionstory,whereheaccusedherofharboring
flyingmonkeysandusingabroomfortransport.Unknowntoeach,theyplayWorldofWarcraft
togetherandarefriendsthere,butenemiesinreallife.WhenWolfistargetedbyapsychoticformer
lover,Saraisdrawnintothecrosshairswithhim.

AlsooutsoonisTheMorcaiBattalion:TheRecruit,forthefirsttimeinmassmarketpaperback,with
addedscenes.ItcontinuestheturbulentrelationshipoftheMorcai’sDr.MadelineRuszelandDtimun,
themysteriousalienCehn-TahrcommanderofthefearedHolconcom.IamindebtedtoHarlequin
HQNforgivingmetheopportunitytoseeitinprint.

Iamalsoindebtedtoallofyou,whoreadmybooks.
Iamstillyourbiggestfan.

DianaPalmer

ToBeckyHambrick,adearwomanwhonevermissedasigning.Shecrochetedlittlescrubbersfor

mysink,whichIstillhave.IthinkofhereverytimeIusethem.

AndtoJ.L.Smith,whoservedCornelia,Georgia,formanyyearsasapoliceofficer.Jameswentto

schoolwithhim.Hewasagoodandkindman.Andhewasourfriend.

ILoveDPG

Contents

CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

CHAPTERSIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTERTEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

CHAPTERTWELVE

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

EXCERPT

CHAPTERONE

I

T

WASN

’

T

THE

longlinesomuchasthecompanyinitthatwasirritatingSaraBrandon.Notonlythe

company,butthewayshewasbeingwatched,too.

HewasloungingbackagainstthenearbycounterattheJacobsvillepharmacy,arrogantand

amused,watchingherwiththoseicyArctic-blueeyesthatseemedtoseerightthroughher.Asifhe
knewexactlywhatwasunderherclothing.Asifhecouldseehercreamyskin.Asif...

Sheclearedherthroatandglaredathim.
Thatamusedhimevenmore.“AmIdisturbingyou,Ms.Brandon?”hedrawled.
Hewaselegant.Devastating,physically.Lean-hipped,tanned,broad-shouldered,withbig,beautiful

handsandbigfeet.HisStetsonwaspulledlowoverhiseyes,sothatonlytheirpaleglitterwasvisible
underthebrim.Hislong,powerfullegsindesignerjeanswerecrossed,justthefeetofhisexpensive
tanbootspeeringoutfromunderthedenim.Hischambrayshirtwasopenatthethroat.Thick,black,
curlinghairwasexposedinthenarrowvee.

Thebeastknewhewas...stimulating.That’swhyhedidthat,whyheleftthosetopbuttons

unbuttoned,shejustknewit.Shecouldn’tcompletelyhideherreactiontohim,andheknewthat,too.
Itdrovehermad.

“Youdon’tdisturbme,Mr.Patterson,”shesaid,hervoicesoundingalittlechokedasshetriedto

keepitsteady.

Thoseeyessliddownherslender,elegantbodyinnarrowblackslackstoppedbyablackturtleneck

sweater.Hissmilewidenedasshepulledherblackleathercoatcloserandbuttonedit,sothather
sweaterdidn’tshow.Herlong,thickblackhairdroppedtoherwaistinback,wavingaroundher
exquisiteface.Perfect,poutinglipsleduptoastraightnoseandwide-spacedblackeyes.Shewasa
beauty.Shewasn’tconceitedaboutit.Shehatedherlooks.Shehatedtheattentionshedrew.

Shecrossedherarmsagainstherbreastsoverthecoatandavertedhereyes.
“Oh,Iwonderaboutthat,”hedrawledinhisdeep,slowvoice.“Youdon’tlookatallcalmtome.”
“DotellmewhatIdolooklike,then.”
Heshoulderedawayfromthecounterandjoinedher.Hewastall.Hemovedalittlecloser,asifto

forcehertolookupandseehowmuchhetoweredoverher.Sheretreatedastep,nervously.

“Youlooklikeayoungfilly,justtakingherfirststepsoutintothepasture,”hesaidquietly.
“I’vebeenoutinthepastureforalongtime,Mr.Patterson,andI’mnotnervous.”
Hejustcockedaneyebrow.Hepursedhissensuouslips.“Well,youlooknervoustome.Leftthe

flyingmonkeysathome,didwe?”

Hermouthflewopen.“Youlistenhere...!”Shewincedatthesuddenturningofheadsandquickly

loweredhervoice.“Idonotkeep...flyingmonkeysatmyhouse!”

“Oh,Iknowthat.Youprobablyhavethemhiddenoutinthewoods.Alongwiththebroom.”
Shegroundherteethtogether.
“MissBrandon?”Bonniecalledfromthecashregister.“Ihaveyourrefill.”
“Thanks,”Sarasaid,andquicklymovedawayfromthetallthreatofWoffordPatterson’sbody.

TheycalledhimWolfasanickname.Shecouldseewhy.Hewasreallypredatory.Anditwas
somethingofabitofluckthathedidn’tlikeher.

Shepaidforheracidrefluxmedicine,smiledatBonnie,glaredatWoffordPattersonandstarted

forthefrontdoor.

“Flyatasafespeednow,”hecautionedinagood-naturedtone.

Shewhirled,herlongblackhairwhipping.“IfIreallyhadflyingmonkeys,I’dhavethemdropyou

inthebiggestmanurelagooninthewholestateofTexas,andthenI’dthrowamatchinit!”she
flashedathim.

Everybodystartedlaughing,especiallyWoffordPatterson.Red-faced,Saraalmostranoutofthe

building.

***

“I

WILL

HAVE

himshot,”shemutteredtoherselfasshestalkedtoherwhiteJaguar.“Iwillhavehim

shot,andthenI’llhavethemdismemberhim,andthen...”

“Talkingtoyourself.Tsk,tsk,”sheheardbehindher.Hewasfollowingher.
Sheturnedaround.“Youarethemostobnoxious,unbearable,tedious,irritating,viciousmanIhave

everknowninmylife!”sheragedathim.

Heshrugged.“Idoubtthat.Youdoinspirepeopletodislikeyou.”
Hersmallfistswereclenchedathersides,thepaperpharmacybaggrippedinoneofthem.Shewas

almostonfirewithanger.

SheglancedbesideherandsawCashGrier,theJacobsville,Texas,policechief,justcomingupon

thesidewalk.“Iwanthimarrested!”sheyelled,pointingatWofford.

“Now,whatdidIdo?”Woffordaskedwithastraightface.“Iwasonlyaskingyoutodrivesafely,

becauseIworryaboutyourhealth.”Hegaveheranangelicsmile.

Shewasnearlyshakingwithanger.
Cashtriedtohideagrin.“Now,Ms.Brandon,”hebegangently.
“WhatexactlyisaMiz?”Wolfwonderedaloud.“IsitlikeaMr.Womansortofthing?”
Shethrewthebagofpillsathim.
“Sheassaultedme!”Wolfexclaimed.“Assaultisafelony,right?”
“Oh,I’dlovetoassaultyou,”shemutteredunderherbreath.
“Youreallywould,honey,”hedrawledashewatchedhercomebackupwiththesackofpills.“Iam

alegendinmyowntime.”Heevensmiled.

Shedrewbackalittlefootinaprettyshoe.
“Ifyoukickhim,Ireallywillhavetoenforcethelaw,Sara,”Cashremindedher.
Shelookedasexasperatedasshefelt.“Couldn’tyoujust...well,woundhim?”sheaskedplaintively.

“Alittle?”

Cashtriednottolaughandfailed.“IfIshoothim,I’llhavetoarrestmyself.Thinkhowthatwould

look.”

“Youshouldgohome,”Wolftoldherwithmockconcern.“I’llbetyouhaven’tfedtheflying

monkeysallday.”

Shestampedherfoot.“Youpig!”
“LastweekIwasasnake.Isthisapromotion?”hewonderedaloud.
Shetookasteptowardhim.Cashgotinbetweenthem.“Sara,gohome.Rightnow.Please?”he

added.

SheblewatendrilofhairoutofherfaceandturnedbacktotheJaguar.“Ishouldhavemovedto

hell.Itwouldhavebeenmorepeaceful.”

“Theflyingmonkeyswouldhavefeltathome,too,”Wolfmused.
“Oneday,”shesaid,raisingafist.
“Iamalwaysathome,”hepointedoutwithagrin.“Comeonover.I’llfindsomeboxinggloves.”

“Willtheystopabullet?”sheaskedhotly.SheaddedafewchoicewordsinFarsi.Infact,sheadded

alotofthem,inahigh,provoked,angrytone.Shestampedherfoottoemphasizethatshemeantthem.

“Yourbrotherwouldbeshocked,shockedItellyou,tohearsuchlanguagecomingoutofhisbaby

sister ’smouth,”Wolfsaidhaughtily.HeglancedatCash.“YouspeakFarsi.Can’tyouarrestherfor
callingpeopleinmyfamilynameslikethat?”

Cashwaslookinghunted.
“I’mgoinghome,”Sarasaidfuriously.
“Inoticed,”Wolfrepliedlazily.
ShetoldhimwhathecoulddoinFarsi.
“Oh,ittakestwoforthat,”herepliedinthesametongue,andhispaleeyesabsolutelyhowled.
Shegotintothecar,revveditupandroaredoffdownthestreet.
“Oneday,”CashtoldWolf,“she’llkillyou,andI’llhavetoappearathertrialtosayitwasjustified

self-defense.”

Wolfjustlaughed.

***

S

ARA

BROKE

SPEED

LIMITS

.Shewasstillshakingwhenshepulledupoutsidethehouseherbrother,

Gabriel,hadboughtinComancheWells,justdowntheroadfromJacobsville.ShewishedMichelle
washomefromcollege,ifonlybriefly.Michellewouldlistenandcommiseratewithher.Shewould
understand.SheknewmoreaboutSarathanlocalpeopledid.

MichelleknewthatSara’sstepfatherhadassaultedher,almosttothepointofrapewhenGabrielhad

allbutbrokenherbedroomdoortogettohim.Sarahadtotestifyatthetrialthatsentherstepfatherto
prison,sitinthewitnesschairandtelltotalstrangersexactlywhattheanimalhaddonetoher.And
aboutthedisgustingthingshe’dsaidwhilehewasdoingit.Shecouldn’tforceherselftotellitall.

ThedefenseattorneyhadbeeneloquentaboutSara,ayounggirlteasinganoldermanandgetting

himsoworkedupthathehadtohaveher.Itwasn’tthatway,butshewassuresomepeopleonthejury
listened.

Herstepfatherhadgonetoprison.He’ddiedwhenhegotout.Sarashiveredviolently,

rememberinghowandwhy.SaraandGabriel’smotherhadshovedthemoutthedoorafterthe
convictionandleftthemonthestreets.OneofthepublicdefenderswhowasinSara’scornerata
secondtrial,whenherstepfatherwasshotbypolice,hadamaidenauntwhotookthemin,spoiled
themrottenandleftthemmostofherenormousestate.

Shewasworthmillions,andthepublicdefenderrefusedtohearawordaboutSaraandGabriel

turningdowntheinheritance.Theystillthoughtofhimasfamily.He’dbeenkindtothemwhenthe
worldturnedagainstthem.

TheBrandons’mothermovedaway,grievedherselftodeathoverhersecondhusbandandrefused

tohaveanycontactafterwardwitheitherofherchildren.Ithadbeendevastating,especiallytoSara,
whofeltresponsible.

Theexperiencehadsickenedher,turnedherintoarecluse.Sarawastwenty-four,beautifulandall

alone.Shedidn’tdateanybody.Ever.

ThewayWolfPattersonlookedather,though;thatwasnewandunsettling.She...likedit.Butshe

couldn’taffordtolethimknow.Ifhepursuedher,ifthingsheatedup,he’dfigureouthersecret.She
couldn’thideherreactionstoanysortofphysicalintimacy.She’dtriedonce,justonce,withaboyshe
likedatschool.Ithadendedwithherintearsandhimleavinginatemper,callingherastupidtease.

Somuchfordating.

Shelockedthedoorbehindher,tossedherpurseontothesidetableandwentupstairs.She’dhada

lightlunchbeforesheleftforthepharmacy,sotherestofthedaywasherstodoasshepleased.She
wasrich.Shedidn’thavetowork.Butshehadnosociallife.Atleast,notintherealworld.Inthe
virtualworld,however...

***

S

HE

TURNED

ON

herstate-of-the-artgamingcomputerandpulleduptheWorldofWarcraftwebsite.

Sarawasasecretgamer.Shedidn’ttellanybodyaboutherhabit.Gabrielknew,butnobodyelsedid.
ShehadabeautifulBloodElfHordetoon,acharacterwithalmostwhite-blondhairandblueeyes—
sortofareverseSara,shelikedtothink,chuckling.Itwasaworldawayfromtheblack-haired
brunettethatshereallywas.

Shepulleduphercharacter,Casalese,apowerfulwarlock,andwalkedintothegame.Theminute

shecameonline,shewaswhispered.

Wanttodoaraidwithme?

heasked.“He”wasalevel90BloodElfdeathknightnamedRednacht.

Thetwohadmetatanin-gameholidayevent,startedtalkingandhadbeenonlinefriendsforayearor
so.Theydidn’tdotheRealIDthing,soshehadnoideawhohereallywas.Shedidn’twantalover.
Sheonlywantedafriend.Buttheydidfriendeachother,usingthegenericIDsheusedforher
account,sosheknewwhenhewasonline.Andviceversa.They’dbothturnedlevel90atthesame
time.They’dcelebratedatanin-gameinnwithcakeandjuice,andshotoffthefireworkstheywere
giftedwithoutinthecountrysideofthenewarea,Pandaria.

Ithadbeenamagicalnight.Rednachtwasfuntobearound.Henevermadereallypersonal

remarks,buthedidmentionthingsthatweregoingoninhislifefromtimetotime.Sodidshe.But
onlyinagenericway.Sarahadrealissueswithherprivacy.BecauseofGabriel’sprofession,shehad
tobeespeciallycareful.

Mostpeopledidn’tknowwhatherbrotherdidforaliving.Hewasanindependentmilitary

contractorwhoworkedfrequentlyforEbScott.Hewasaskilledmercenary.Saraworriedabouthim,
becausetheyonlyhadeachother.Butsheunderstoodthathecouldn’tgiveuptheexcitement.Notyet,
anyway.ShedidwonderhowthatmightchangewhenMichelle,whohadbecometheirwardwiththe
suddendeathofherstepmother,graduatedfromcollege.Butthatwassometimeinthefuture.

Ifeelmorelikeabattleground,

shetyped.

Roughmorning.

Hetypedback

lol,

laughingoutloud.

Samehere.Okay.ShallweslayAllianceuntilourbladesarenolonger

thirsty?

Shelaughedback.

Thatsoundsverynice.

***

A

COUPLE

OF

hoursofplay,andshefeltlikeanewwoman.Shesignedoff,toldherfriendgood-night,

hadalightdinnerandwenttobed.Sheknewthatshewashidingfromlifeinhervirtualplayground,
butitwasatleastsomesortofsociallife.Intherealworld,shehadnothing.

***

S

ARA

LOVED

OPERA

.ThelocaloperahouseinSanAntoniohadbeenclosedearlierintheyear,

althoughanewoperacompanywasbeingfounded.However,shehadtohaveheroperafix.Theonly

remainingonewithinreachwasinHouston.Itwasalongdrive,buttheHoustonGrandOperawas
performingALittleNightMusic.Oneofthesongswas“SendintheClowns,”herabsolutefavorite.
Shewasagrownwoman.Shehadagoodcar.Therewasnoreasonthatshecouldn’tmakethedrive.

SoshegotintheJaguarandtookoff,inplentyoftimetomakethecurtain.She’dworryabout

cominghomeinthedarklater.

Shelovedanythinginthearts,includingtheaterandsymphonyandballet.ShehadticketstotheSan

AntonioSymphonyandtheSanAntonioBalletcompaniesfortheseason.Buttonightshewastreating
herselftothisout-of-townspectacularperformance.

Shewaslookingatherprogramwhenshefeltmovement.Sheturnedasanewcomersatdown,and

shelookedupintothepale,laughingeyesofherworstenemyintheworld.

Oh,darn,waswhatsheshouldhavesaid.Whatshedidsaywasfarlessconventional,andinFarsi.
“Pottymouth,”hereturnedunderhisbreathinthesamelanguage.
Shegroundherteethtogether,waitingforhisnextremark.She’dstomponhisbigbootedfootand

marchrightoutofthebuildingifhesaidevenoneword.

Buthewasdivertedbyhisbeautifulcompanionbeforehecouldsayanythingelse.Liketheother

womanSarahadseenhimwith,atanotherperformance,thisonewasagorgeousblonde.Hedidn’t
seemtolikebrunettes,whichwascertainlytoSara’sadvantage.

Whyintheworlddidhealwayshavetositnexttoher?Shealmostgroaned.Sheboughthertickets

weeksinadvance.Presumablysodidhe.Sohowdidtheymanagetosittogether,notonlyinSan
Antonioateverysingleeventsheattended,butinHouston,too?Nexttime,shepromisedherself,
she’dwaittoseewherehewassittingbeforeshesatdown.Sincetheseatswerenumbered,however,
thatmightposeaproblem.

Theorchestrabegantuningitsinstruments.Minuteslater,thecurtainrose.AsthebrilliantStephen

Sondheimscoreprogressed,anddancersperformingmajesticwaltzesfloatedacrossthestage,Sara
thoughtshe’dlandedinheaven.SherememberedwaltzeslikethisataneventinAustria.She’ddanced
withasilver-hairedgentleman,anacquaintanceoftheirtourguide,whowaltzeddivinely.Although
shetraveledalone,she’dsharedsightslikethiswithotherpeople,mostofthemelderly.Saradidn’t
dosinglestours,becauseshewantednothingtodowithmen.She’dseentheworld,butwithGabriel
orseniorcitizens.

Shedrankintheexquisitescore,hereyesclosedassheenjoyedthesongthatwasoneofthemost

beautifuleverwritten,“SendintheClowns.”

***

I

NTERMISSION

CAME

,

BUT

shedidn’tbudge.Wolf’scompanionleft,buthedidn’t.

“Youlikeopera,don’tyou?”heaskedher,hiseyessuddenlyintentonher,drinkinginherlong

blackhairandtheblackdressthatfitherlikeaglovewithitsdiscreetbodiceandcapesleeves.Her
leathercoatwasbehindherintheseat,becausethetheaterwaswarm.

“Yes,”shesaid,waitingwithgrittedteethforwhatsheexpectedtofollow.
“Thebaritoneisquitegood,”headded,crossingonelongleg.“HecameherefromtheMet.He

saidNewYorkCitywasgettingtohim.Hewantedtolivesomewherewithlesstraffic.”

“Yes,Ireadthat.”
Hiseyeswereonherhands.Shehadtheminherlap,withadeathgriponhersmallpurse,hernails

diggingintotheleather.Shedidn’tseemtohaveacareintheworld,butshewaswiredlike
floodlights.

“Youcamealone?”
Shejustnodded.
“It’salongwaytoHouston,andit’snight.”
“Ididnotice.”
“Lasttime,inSanAntonio,itwaswithyourbrotherandyourward,”herecalled.Hiseyes

narrowed.“Nomen.Ever?”

Shedidn’treply.Inherhands,thepursewastakingabeating.
Tohershock,onebig,beautiful,leanhandwenttoherlongfingersandsmoothedoverthem

gently.

“Don’t,”hesaidtersely.
Shebitherlipandlookedupathimunguardedly,withtheanguishofyearspastinherbeautiful

darkeyes.

Hecaughthisbreath.“Whatthehellhappenedtoyou?”heaskedunderhisbreath.
Shejerkedherhandsaway,gottoherfeet,putonhercoatandwalkedoutthedoor.Shewasintears

bythetimeshereachedhercar.

***

I

T

WAS

SO

UNFAIR

.Shehadn’thadaflattireinyears.Shehadtohaveonetonight,ofallnights,ona

darkstreetinastrangecitymanymilesfromherSanAntonioapartment.WhenGabrielandMichelle
weregone,shedidn’tlikestayingbyherselfonthesmallpropertyinComancheWells.Itwasremote,
anddangerous,ifanyofGabriel’senemieseversetthemselvesonretaliation.Ithadhappenedoncein
thepast.Fortunately,Gabrielhadbeenathome.

She’dalreadycalledforatowtruck,buttheaccountsheusedwasbrieflytiedup.Itwouldbejusta

fewminutes,theypromised.Shehungupandsmiledruefully.

Acarapproachedfromthedirectionofthetheater,slowedandthenwhippedinjustinfrontof

whereshewasparked.Atallmangotoutandcamebacktoherwindow.

Shefrozeuntilsherealizedwhoitwas.Shepoweredthewindowdown.
“Thisisahellofaplacetobesittingwithaflattire,”WolfPattersonsaidshortly.“Comeon.I’ll

driveyouhome.”

“ButIhavetostaywiththecar.I’vecalledthetowtruck,andtheywillbehereinafewminutes.”
“We’llwaitforthewreckerinmycar,”hesaidfirmly.“I’mnotleavingyououtherealone.”
Shewasgrateful.Shedidn’twanttohavetosayso.
Hechuckledsoftlyashegotaglimpseofherexpressionwhenheopenedthedoorofhercar.

“Acceptinghelpfromtheenemywon’tcauseyoutobreakoutinhives.”

“Wanttobet?”sheasked.Butwitharesignedsigh,shegotintohiscar.

***

I

T

WAS

A

M

ERCEDES

.She’dneverdrivenone,butsheknewalotofpeoplewhodid.Theywerealmost

indestructible,andtheylastedforever.

Shewascuriousaboutthewindows.Theylookedodd.Sodidtheconstructionofthedoors.
Hesawhercuriosity.“Armorplating,”hesaideasily.“Bulletproofglass.”
Shestaredathim.“Youhavealotofpeopleusingrocketlaunchersagainstyou,doyou?”
Hejustsmiled.
Shewonderedabouthim.Hespokeseveralimpossiblelanguages.Hewasn’twell-knownlocally,

althoughhe’dlivedinJacobsCountyforseveralyears.Ofallthesparetidbitsofinformationshe’d
beenabletogatherabouthim,he’donceworkedfortheeliteFBIHostageRescueUnit.But
apparently,hewasinvolvedinotheractivitiessincethen,noneofwhichwereeverspokenabout.

Gabrielfoundhimamusing.HeonlysaidthatWolfhadmovedtoJacobsvillebecausehewas

lookingforalittlepeaceandquiet.Nothingmore.

“Mybrotherknowsyou.”
“Yes.”
Sheglancedathim.Hewaslookingathiscellphone,pushingthroughscreens,apparentlysending

emailstosomeone.

Sheavertedhereyes.Hewasprobablytalkingtohisdate,maybeapologizingforkeepingher

waiting.

Shewantedtotellhimhecouldgo,she’dwaitforthewreckeralone;shewouldn’tmind.Butshe

didmind.Shewasafraidofthedark,ofmenwhomightshowupwhenshewashelpless.Shehatedher
ownfear.

Heglancedatherhands.Shewasworryingthepurseagain.
Heputawaythecellphone.“Idon’tbite.”
Sheactuallyjumped.Sheswallowed.“Sorry.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.He’dbeendeliberatelyprovokingherforalongtime,eversincesheraninto

himwithhercarandthenaccusedhimofcausingtheaccident.Shewasaggressiveinherway.But
alonewithhim,shewasafraid.Verymuchafraid.Suchabeautifulwoman,withsomanyhang-ups.

“Whyareyousonervous?”heaskedquietly.
Sheforcedasmile.“I’mnotnervous,”shesaid.Shelookedaroundforcarlights.
Hiseyeswerenarrow,assessing.“Therewasapileupjustoutsidethedowntownloop,”hetoldher.

“That’swhatIwascheckingforonmyphone.Thewreckershouldbehereshortly.”

Shenodded.“Thanks,”shesaidjerkily.
Heliftedaneyebrow.“Doyoureallythinkyou’rethatattractive?”heaskedinacooldrawl.
Hershockedeyeswentuptomeethis.“Excuseme?”
Therewassomethingice-coldinhislook,inhismanner.Shewasbringingbackmemorieshe

hated,memoriesofanotherbeautifulbrunette,provocative,coy,manipulative.“You’resittingthere
tiedinknots.Youlookasifyouexpectmetoleaponyou.”Hissensuallipspulledupintoacold
smile.“You’dbelucky,”headdedprovocatively.“I’mveryselectiveaboutwomen.Youwouldn’t
evenmakethefirstcut.”

Shestoppedtwistingthepurse.“Luckyme,”shesaidwithanicysmile.“BecauseIwouldn’thave

youontoast!”

Hiseyesflashed.Hewantedtothrowthings.Hecouldn’tleaveherherealone,buthewantedto.She

madehimfurious.

Shestartedtogetoutofthecar.
Helockedthedoorfromacontrolpanel.“You’renotgoinganywhereuntilthewreckergetshere.”

Heleanedtowardherabruptly,withoutwarning.

Sheshotbackagainstthedoor,suddenlytrembling.Hereyeswerewideandfrightened.Herbody

wasliketautrope.Shejustlookedathim,shivering.

Hecursedunderhisbreath.
Sheswallowed.Swallowedagain.Shecouldn’tevenlookathim.Shehatedshowingthatweakness.

Aggressionalwaysprovokedit.She’dneverdealtwithherpast.Shecouldn’tgetoverit,getthrough
it.

Headlightscameupfrombehindandslowed.“It’sthetowtruck,”Sarasaid.“Pleaseletmeout,”she

chokedout.

Heunlockedthedoor.Shescrambledoutandrantothevehicle’sdriver.
Hegotout,too,cursinghimselfforthatlookonherface.She’ddonenothingtocausehimto

attackher,nothingexceptshowfear.Itwasn’tlikehimtoattackwomen,tothreatenthem.Hewas
disturbedbyhisownresponsetoher.

“Thankyouforstayingwithme,”shetoldWolfinahuntedtone.“He’sgoingtodropmeoffatmy

apartmentandtakethecartothedealership,”shechokedout,indicatingtheelderlydriver.“Good
night.”

Sherantothewreckerandclimbedupintothepassengerseatwhilethedriverworkedatsecuring

hercar.

Wolfwasstillstandingbesidehiscarwhenthetowtruckleft.Saradidn’teventurnherhead.

***

G

ABRIEL

WAS

HOME

forafewdays.SarawenttoComancheWellstocookforhim.

Henoticedhersubduedattitude.“What’swrong,honey?”heaskedsoftlyastheydrankcoffeeatthe

kitchentable.

Shegrimaced.“Ihadaflattire,cominghomefromHoustonaftertheopera.”
“Atnight?”heasked,surprised.“Whydidyoudrive?Whynottakealimo?”
Shebitherlowerlip.“I’mtryingto...growupalittle,”shesaid,managingashakysmile.“OrI

was.”

“Ihatetothinkofyousittinginthedarkwaitingforawrecker,”hesaid.
“Mr.Pattersonsawmethereandstopped.Isatinhiscarwhilethewreckergottome.”
“Mr.Patterson?”hemused.“WolfwasinHouston,too?”
“Apparently,helikesopera,too,andthereisn’tacompanyhererightnow,”shesaidthroughher

teeth.

“Isee.”
Herexpressionwastormented.“He...hedidn’tevendoanything.Hejustturnedinhisseatand

leanedtowardme.I...reactedlikeacrazyperson,”shebitoff.“Madehimmad.”

“We’vehadthisdiscussionbefore,”hebegan.
“Ihatetherapists,”shesaidhotly.“ThelastonesaidIwantedpeopletofeelsorryforme,andI

probablyoverreactedatwhathappened!”

“Hewhat?”heburstout.“Younevertoldme!”
“Iwasafraidyou’dhithimandendupinjail,”shereturned.
“Iwouldhave,”hesaidharshly.
Shedrewinabreathandsippedcoffee.“Anyway,itwasn’thelping.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Ican’t

getpastit.Ijustcan’t.”

“Therearenicemenintheworld,”hepointedout.“SomeevenliverighthereinJacobsville.”
Hersmilewasworld-weary.“Itwouldn’tmatter.”
Heknewwhatshe’dgonethrough.Hehadn’tknownthattherapeattemptwasn’tthefirstone,that

theirstepfatherhadspentmonthsmakingsuggestivecomments,tryingtotouchher,tryingtogether
intobedlongbeforeheusedforce.That,combinedwiththecourttrial,hadwarpedSarainwaysthat
madeGabrieldespairforherfuture.Whatahellofathingtohappentoagirlattheageofthirteen.

“Youlovechildren,”hesaidquietly.“You’redoomingyourselftoalifeallalone.”

“Ihavemyentertainments.”
“Youliveinthatvirtualworld,”hesaidirritably.“It’snoreplacementforasociallife.”
“Ican’tcopewithasociallife,”shereplied.“Ihaveneverbeenmoresureofanything.”Shegotup

andbenttokisshisforehead.“Leavemetomyprudishpursuits.I’llmakeyouanapplepie.”

“Bribery.”
Shelaughed.“Bribery.”

***

G

ABRIEL

WAS

AT

thefeedstorethenextFridaywhenWolfPattersoncamein.Hewasscowlingeven

beforehesawGabriel.

“Isshewithyou?”Wolfasked.
Gabrielknewwhohemeantatonce.Heshookhishead.
“Isshecrazy?”heasked.“HonesttoGod,Istayedwithherinmycaruntilthewreckercame,and

sheactedasifIwasbentonassault!”

“I’mgratefulforwhatyoudid,”Gabrielsaid,sidesteppingthequestion.“Sheshouldhavetakena

limotoHouston.I’llmakesureshedoesnexttime.”

Wolfcalmeddown,butonlyalittle.Heshovedhishandsdeepintothepocketsofhisexpensive

jeans.“Sheranintomewiththecar,youknow.Thensheblamedmeforit.Thatstartedthewhole
thing.Ihateaggressivewomen,”headdedshortly.

“Shetendstooverreact,”Gabrielsaidnoncommittally.
“Idon’tevenlikebrunettes,”hesaidcurtly.Hispaleeyesflashed.“She’snotmytype.”
“You’recertainlynothers,”theyoungermanpointedoutwithagrin.
“Whois?”Wolfasked.“Oneofthosetofu-eatingtreehuggers?”
“Sara...doesn’tlikemen.”
Wolfraisedaneyebrow.“Shelikeswomen?”
“No.”
Wolf’seyesnarrowed.“You’renottellingmeanything.”
“That’sexactlyright,”Gabrielreplied.Hepursedhislips.“ButI’lltellyouthis.Ifsheevershowed

anyinterestinyou,I’dgetheroutofthecountrybythequickestmeansavailable.”

Wolfglaredathim.
“YouknowwhatImean,”Gabrieladdedquietly.“Iwouldn’twishyouonanywomanalive,much

lessmybabysister.Youstillhaven’tdealtwithyourpast,afterallthistime.”

Wolf’steethwereclenched.
Gabrielputahandonhisshoulder.“Wolf,notallwomenarelikeYsera,”hesaidsoftly.
Wolfjerkedawayfromhim.
Gabrielknewwhenhewaslicked.Hesmiled.“So,how’sthewargaming?”
Itwasacarrot,andWolfbit.“Newexpansioncomingout,”hesaid,andsmiled.“I’mlooking

forwardtoit,nowthatI’vegotsomebodytorundungeonswith.”

“Yourmysteriouswoman.”Gabrielchuckled.
“Iassumeshe’sawoman,”hereplied,shrugging.“Peoplearen’tusuallywhattheyseeminthese

games.Iwascomplimentingaguildieonhismatureplayingstyle,andheinformedmethathewas
twelveyearsold.”Helaughed.“Youneverknowwhoyou’replayingwith.”

“Yourwomancouldbeaman.Orachild.Orarealwoman.”
Wolfnodded.“I’mnotlookingforrelationshipsinavideogame,”herepliedeasily.

“Wiseman.”Gabrieldidn’ttellhimwhatSaradidforamusement.Itreallywouldn’tdotosellher

outtotheenemy.Hehesitatedandglancedtowardthestreet.“There’sarumorgoingaround.”

Wolfturnedhishead.“Whatrumor?”
“Yseragotaway,”heremindedtheotherman.“We’vesearchedforoverayear,youknow.Oneof

Eb’smenthinkshesawher,atasmallfarmoutsideBuenosAires.Withamanwebothremember
fromtheolddays.”

Wolf’sfacetightenedasifhe’dbeenshot.“Anyintelonwhyshe’sthere?”
Gabrielnoddedgrimly.“Revenge,”hesaidsimply.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youneedtohireona

coupleofextramen.She’dhaveyourthroatslitifshecould.”

“I’dreturnthefavorifIcoulddoitlegally,”Wolfreturnedwithfaintvenom.
Gabrielslidhishandsintohisjeanspockets.“Sowouldtherestofus.Butyou’retheoneindanger,

ifshereallyisstillalive.”

Wolfdidn’tlikerememberingthewoman,orthethingshe’ddonebecauseofherlies.Hestillhad

nightmares.Hiseyeshadacold,farawaylook.“Ithoughtshewasdead.Ihoped...”heconfessed
quietly.

“It’shardtokillabigsnake,”theothermansaidflatly.“Just...becareful.”
“Watchyourownback,”Wolfreplied.
“Ialwaysdo.”HewantedtotelltheothermanaboutSara,towarnhimoff,toavertatragedyinthe

making.Buthisfrienddidn’tseemreallyinterestedinSara,andhewasreluctanttoshareintimate
detailsofSara’spastwithherworstenemy.Itwasadecisionthatwouldhaveconsequences.Hedidn’t
realizehowmany,atthetime.

CHAPTERTWO

G

ABRIEL

WENT

BACK

towork,andSarahadaweekendjaunttotheWyomingranchwithMichelle

duringspringbreak.ThenMichellewentbacktoschool,andSarawentshoppingindowntownSan
Antonio.

SarashoppedforspringclothesandthentriedonmantillasinthehugeMercadoinSanAntonio,

enjoyingthesoundsandsmellsofthemarket.Afewminuteslater,shetookherpurchasestotheRiver
Walkandsatdownatasmalltable,watchingtheboatsgoby.ItwasApril.Theweatherwaswarmand
dry,andflowerswereappearingintheplantersallaroundthecafé.Itwasoneofherfavoriteplaces.

Sheputherpurseunderthetableandleanedback,herbeautifulhairripplingwiththemovement.

Shehadonblackslacksandloafersandacandy-pinkblousethatemphasizedherexquisite
complexion.Herblackeyesdancedasshelistenedtoastrollingmariachiband.

Shemovedherchairtoaccommodatetwomensittingdownbehindher.OneofthemwasWolf

Patterson.Herheartjumped.Sherushedtofinishhercappuccino,gatheredherbagsandwenttopay
foritatthecounter.

“Runningaway?”asilky,deepvoiceaskedatthebackofherhead.
“Iwasfinishedwithmycoffee,”shesaidstiffly,smilingandthankingtheclerkasshewashanded

herchange.

Whensheturned,hewasblockingthewayout.Hispaleeyeswereflashingwithhostility.He

lookedasifhe’dhavelikedtofryheronagriddle.

Sheswalloweddownthenervousnessthatalwaysassailedherwhenhewasclose.Shetriedtostep

back,buttherewasnoplacetogo.Herhuge,beautifuleyeswidenedwithapprehension.

“Whendoesyourbrothergetback?”heasked.
“I’mnotsure,”shesaid.“Hethinksmaybebytheweekend.”
Henodded.Hiseyesnarrowedonherface.“Whatareyouafraidof?”heaskedhalfunderhis

breath.

“Notathing,Mr.Patterson,”shereplied.“BecauseI’mnotyourtype.”
“Damnedstraight.”
Shewasreadytotrytopushpasthim,frustratedbeyondrationalbehavior,whenoneofhis

companionscalledtohim.

Whilehewasdiverted,sheslippedtothesideofhim,andwentoutoftheareaatadeadrun.She

didn’tevencareifpeoplestared.

***

T

HERE

WAS

A

balletlaterintheweek.Shelovedtheballet.Shelovedthecolor,thecostumes,the

lighting,allofit.She’dstudiedtheartinherchildhood.Atonetime,she’ddreamedofbeingaprima
ballerina.Butthelongyearsoftrainingandthesacrificestheroledemandedweretoomuchfora
younggirljustdiscoveringlife.

Thosehadbeengooddays.Herfatherhadstillbeenalive.Hermotherhadbeenkind,ifdistant.She

rememberedthehappytimesthey’dhadtogetherwithabittersweetsmile.Howdifferentherlife
mighthavebeeniftheirfatherhadlived.

Butlookingbackservednorealpurpose,shetoldherself.Suchasherlifewas,shehadtotryto

cope.

Shesatdowninherseatnearthefrontoftheconcerthall,smilingasshelookedattheprogram.

Theprimaballerinawasanacquaintanceofhers,asweetgirlwholovedherjobanddidn’tmindthe
longhoursandsacrificethatwentalongwithit.Lisettewaspretty,too,blondeandtallasabeanpole,
witheyesasbiganddarkaschestnuts.

TheballetwasSwanLake,oneofherabsolutefavorites.Thecostumeswereeye-catching,the

performersexquisite,themusicalmostenchanted.Shesmiled,herheartswellingassheanticipated
thedelightfulperformance.

SheheardmovementnearbyandalmosthadacoronarywhenshesawWolfPattersonandyet

anotherbeautifulblondemovingintotheseatsbesidehers.Sheactuallygroaned.

Thewomanstoppedtospeaktosomeonesheknew.WolfdroppeddownintotheseatnexttoSara’s

andgaveherconservativeblackdressandleathercoatabriefscrutiny.Hisglarecouldhavestoppeda
chargingbull.“Areyoufollowingmearound?”heasked.

Shecountedtoten.Inherhand,theprogramwastwistingintolargeconfetti.
“Imean,justacoupleofweeksago,thereyouwereattheoperainHouston,andhereyouare

tonightattheballetinSanAntonio,withseatsrightnexttomine,”hemused.“IfIwereaconceited
man...”headdedinadeep,slowdrawl.

SheturnedherblackeyesuptohisandmadeacommentinFarsithatmadehishairstandonend.

Hesnappedbackatherinthesamelanguage,hiseyesbitingintoherface.

“Whatintheworldsortoflanguageisthat?”hisblondecompanionaskedwithalaugh.
WolfclencheddownonmorewordsasSaraturnedherheadandtriedtoconcentrateonthestage

curtain.Theorchestrabegantuningup.

“Aren’tyougoingtointroduceme?”theblondewomanpersisted,glancingatSara’sdiscomfort

withanhonestlyworriedexpression.

“Iamnot,”Wolfsaid,enunciatingeveryword.“Curtain’sgoingup,”headdedshortly.

***

S

ARA

WANTED

TO

getupandwalkout.Shealmostdid.Butshecouldn’tbeartogivehimthe

satisfaction.SoshelostherselfinthecolorandbeautyofSwanLake,herheartinherthroatasthe
preliminarydancersgavewaytothetitlerole,andLisettecameonstage.
Herfriend’sexquisitebeautywasapparentevenatadistance.Shetwirledandpirouetted,makingthe
leapswithprecisionandgrace.Saraenviedherthattalent.Onceuponatime,she’dseenherselfonthe
stageinacostumelikethatbeautifulconfectionLisettewaswearing.

Ofcourse,realityhadputpaidtothatsaddream.Shecouldn’timaginestandinginfrontofalotof

people,havingthemalllookather,withoutflinching.Notafterthetrial.

Herfacegrewtautassherememberedthetrial,thetauntingofthedefenseattorney,thefuryinher

stepfather ’sface,theanguishinhermother ’s.

Shedidn’trealizethatshe’dcrumbledtheprograminherslenderfingers,orthatthetragiclookon

herfacewasdrawingalltoomuchreluctantinterestfromheracquaintanceinthenextseat.

WolfPattersonhadseenthatlookbefore,manytimes,incombatzones.Itwasakintowhatwas

calledthe“thousand-yardstare,”familiartocombatveterans,ablankexpressionwithterribleeyes
thatrecalledthingsnomortalshouldeverhavetowitness.ButSaraBrandonwaspamperedandrich
andbeautiful.Whatreasonwouldawomanlikethathavetoacttormented?

Helaughedsilentlytohimself,faintcontemptonhishardfeatures.PrettylittleSara,temptingmen,

ridiculingtheminpassion,makingthempleadforsatisfactionandthenlaughingwhentheyachieved

it.Laughingwithcontemptanddisgust.Sayingthings...

Asofthandtouchedhis.Thematureblondewomanbesidehimwasfrowning.
HeshookhimselfmentallyanddraggedhiseyesawayfromSara.Hemanagedareassuringsmile

athiscompanion,butitwasalie.Saraunsettledhim.Sheremindedhimofthingspast,thingsdeadly,
thingsunbearable.Shewaseverythinghehatedinawoman.

Buthewantedher.Thesightofherlithe,elegantbodymadehimache.Ithadbeenalongtime.He

hadn’tbeenabletotrustanotherwomanafterYsera,wantanotherwoman.

Inthebackofhismindwastheridiculeandthelaughter.Hehadn’tbeenabletocontrolhisdesire,

andYserathoughtitwasfunny.Shelovedmanipulatinghim,tormentinghim.Andwhenshe’dhadher
fillofhumiliatinghiminbed,she’dsenthimoffonachoreofpersonalvengeancewithalie.

Heclosedhiseyes.Ashudderranthroughhispowerfulframe.Hecouldn’tescapethepast.It

tormentedhimstill.Therehadbeennoconsequences,butthereshouldhavebeen.Yseraatleast
shouldhavebeenheldaccountable,butshewasoutofthecountrybeforeshecouldbearrested.For
overayeartherehadbeennowordofher.He’dthoughtshe’dfinallygottenwhatshedeserved—that
shewasdead.Nowshewasback,stillalive,stillhauntinghim.Hewouldneverknowpeaceforthe
restofhislife.

“Wolf,”theblondewomanwhisperedurgently.Shewrappedherhandaroundhisclenchedfist.

“Wolf!”

Sararealized,belatedly,thatsomethingwasgoingonbesideher.Sheturnedherheadintimetosee

anexpressionofsuchanguishonthetallman’shardfacethatconcernreplacedherusualresentment.

Hisfistwasclenchedonhischairarm.Theblondewomanwastryingtocalmhim.Helookedlike

adrawncord.

“Mr.Patterson,”Sarasaid,hervoiceverysoftsothatitdidn’tcarry.“Areyouallright?”
Helookeddownather,comingoutofthepastwiththepainstillinhiseyes.Theynarrowed,andhe

lookedatherasifhehatedher.“Whatthehelldoyoucare?”hegritted.

Shebitherlowerlipalmostthrough.Helookedcoiled,readytostrike,dangerous.Sheforcedher

attentionbacktothestage,adeathlypallorinhercheeks.Morefoolme,forcaring,shethought.

Hewastryingtocopewithmemoriesthatwerekillinghim.Sararemindedhimtoomuchofthings

heonlywantedtoforget.HecursedunderhisbreathinFarsi,gottohisfeetandwalkedoutofthe
theater.TheblondewomanlookedatSarawithagrimace,asifshewantedtoexplain,toapologize.
Thenshejustsmiledsadlyandfollowedhimout.

***

T

HAT

TORMENTED

LOOK

onWolfPatterson’sfacehauntedSarafortherestoftheweek.Shecouldn’t

getitoutofhermind.He’dstaredatherasifhehatedherinthosefewseconds.Shebegantorealize
thatitwasn’tnecessarilyherwhomhehated.Perhapsitwassomeonesheremindedhimof.She
smiledsadlytoherself.Justherluck,tofeelthestirringsofattractiontoamanforthefirsttimein
herlife,andhavehimturnouttobesomeonewhohatedherbecausesheremindedhimofanother
woman.Anoldflame,perhaps,someonehe’dlovedandlost.

Well,itwashopelesstolookinthatdirectionanyway,sheconsoledherself.She’donlyreallybeen

alonewithhimonce,andlookhowshe’dembarrassedherselfwhenhecametooclose.Shestill
flushed,rememberinghowshe’drunfromhimafterherflattire.Hewouldn’tunderstandwhyshe’d
reactedthatway.Andshecouldn’ttellhim.

***

S

HE

CLIMBED

INTO

herpajamaslatethatnightandpulleduphergameonthecomputer,settingthe

laptoponaboardacrossherlapassheproppedupinbed.

Herfriendwason.

Hi,

shewhispered.

Hi,

hewhisperedback.

Hewasusuallymorewordythanthat.

Inthemiddleofsomething?

shequeried.

No.Badmemories,

hesaidafteraminute.

Iknowallaboutthat,

shewrotesadly.

Therewasabriefpause.

Wanttotalkaboutit?

heasked.

Shesmiledtoherself.

Talkingdoesn’thelp.Howaboutabattleground?

Hewrote

lol

onthescreen,invitedhertoagroupandqueuedthemforabattleground.

Whydoeslifehavetobesohard?

shewrotewhiletheywaited.

Idon’tknow.

Ican’tgetawayfromthepast,

shewrote.Shecouldn’ttellhimeverything,butshecouldtalkalittle.

Hewastheonlyrealfriendshehad.Lisettewaskindandsweet,butshehadsolittlefreetimejustto
talk.

NeithercanI,

hewroteafteraminute.

Doyouhavenightmares?

heaskedsuddenly.

Shegrimacedandwrote,

Allthetime.

Me,too.

Therewasahesitation.

Damagedpeople,

hewrote.

Yes.

Holdingeachothertogether,

headded,withanother

lol.

Shereturnedthelaugh,andsmiledtoherself.

BRB,

shewrote,gamer ’sslangfor“berightback.”

I

needcoffee.

Goodidea.I’llmakesomeandemailyouacup,

hewrote.

Shechuckledtoherself.Hewasgoodcompany.Shewonderedwhohewasinreallife,ifhewasa

manorawomanorevenachild.Whatever,itwasnicetohavesomeonetotalkto,eveniftheyonly
talkedinsinglesyllables.

Hewasbackbeforethequeuepopped.

Weshouldgetoneofthosechatprogramslike

Ventriloquist,

he

commented,

sothatwecantalkinsteadoftype.

Herheartalmoststopped.

No.

Why?

Shebitherlowerlip.Howcouldshetellhimthatitwouldinterferewiththefantasyifshebrought

reallifeintoit?Thatshedidn’twanttoknowifhewasyoungoroldorfemale.

You’refrightened,

hewrote.

Shehesitated,herhandsoverthekeyboard.

Yes.

Isee.

No,youdon’t,

shereplied.

Ihaveahardtimewithpeople.Withmostpeople.Idon’t...Idon’tlikeletting

peoplegetclosetome.

Jointheclub.

Soinagame,it’ssortofdifferent,

shetriedtoexplain.

Yes.

Therewasahesitation.

Areyoufemale?

Yes.

Young?

Yes.

Shepaused.

Areyoumale?

Therewasnohesitationatall.

Definitely.

Shehesitatedagain.

Married?

No.Andneverlikelytobe.

Anotherpause.

You?

No.Andneverlikelytobe,

shereplied,addingasmile.

Doyouwork?

Andnow,timeforthelies.

Icuthair,

shelied.

Whatdoyoudo?

Therewasahesitation.

Dangerousthings.

Herheartskipped.

Lawenforcement?

shetyped.

Therewasahowloflaughter.

Howdidyouget

there?

Idon’tknow.Youseemveryhonest.Younevertrytoninjathelootwhenwedo
dungeons. You’ll stop to help other players if they get in trouble. You’re forever
usingin-gameskillstomakethingsforlowerlevelplayers.Stufflikethat.

Therewasalonghesitation.

You’redescribingyourself,aswell.

Shesmiledtoherself.

Thanks.

Damagedpeople,

hemused.

Holdingeach

othertogether.

Shenodded.Shetyped,

Itfeels...sortofnice.

Doesn’tit?

Therewasanewwarmthinthescreen.Ofcourse,theycouldbothbelying.Shedidn’twork,she

didn’thaveto,andhemightnotbeinlawenforcement.Butitdidn’tmatter,sincetheywerenever
likelytomeetinperson.Shewouldn’tdaretry.She’dhadtoomanyfalsestartsinheryounglife,
tryingtoescapethepast.Shewouldneverbeabletodoit.Thiswasallshecouldhopefor—a
relationshiponlinewithamanwhomightnotevenlikeherintherealworld.Butitwasstrangely
almostenough.

Timetogo,

hesaid,astheJoinBattletagcameup.

Afteryou,

shetypedback.Whichwasajoke;sincetheywereagroup,theyenteredtogether.

***

S

HE

WAS

SITTING

inthepark,feedingthepigeons.Itwasastupidthingtodo,thebirdswereanuisance.

Butshehadbreadleftoverfromasolitarylunch,andthebirdswerecomfortable,cooingaroundher
feetasshescatteredcrumbs.

ShewaswearingagreenV-neckedpulloversweaterwithjeansandankleboots.Shelookedvery

youngwithherlonghairinabraiddownherbackandherfacecleanofmakeupexceptforthe
lightesttouchoflipstick.

WolfPattersonstaredatherwithmoreconflictingemotionsthanhe’deverfeltinhislife.Shewas

twodifferentpeople.Onewasfieryandtemperamentalandbrilliant.Theotherwasbeautifuland
damagedandafraid.Hewasn’tsurewhichonewastherealSara.

He’dfeltguiltyatthewayhe’dsnappedatherattheballet.Hehadn’tmeantto.Thememorieshad

eatenathimuntilhefeltonlyhalf-alive.JustknowingYserawasoutthere,stillplotting,madehim
uneasy.Withthememoryofhercameothers,sickeningones,thatSararemindedhimof.

Shefelteyesonherandturnedherhead,justslightly.Therehewas,afewfeetaway,standingwith

hishandsinhispockets,scowling.

Itfascinatedhimtoseethewayshereacted.Herlithebodyfrozeinpositionwithcrumbshalfin

andhalfoutofthebagshewasholding.Shejustlookedathim,hergreatblackeyeswidewith
apprehension.

Hemovedcloser.“AdeerIshotoncelookedjustlikethat,”heremarkedquietly.“Waitingforthe

bullet.”

Sheflushedanddroppedhereyes.
“Idon’thuntmuchanymore,”heremarked,standingbesideher.“Ihuntedmen.Itruinsyourtaste

forblood.”

Shebitherlowerlip,hard.
“Don’tdothat,”hesaidinthesoftestvoiceshe’deverheardhimuse.“Iwon’thurtyou.”
Sheactuallytrembled.Shemanagedafaintlaugh.Howmanytimesinherlifehadsheheardthat

frommenwhowantedher,huntedher.

Hewentdownononekneerightinfrontofherandforcedhertomeethiseyes.“Imeanthat,”he

saidquietly.“We’vehadourdifferences.Butphysically,youhaveabsolutelynothingtofearfrom
me.”

Sheswallowed.Hard.Hereyeswhentheymethiswerefullofrememberedfearandpain.
HisArctic-blueeyesnarrowed.Ithadbeenashotinthedark,buthewatchedithithome.“Someone

hurtyou.Aman.”

Shetriedandfailedtomakewordscomeoutofhermouth.Onthebag,herhandswereclenchedso

tightlythattheknuckleswentwhite.

Herveryvulnerabilityhurthim.“Ican’timagineamanbrutalenoughtotrytohurtsomethingso

beautiful,”hesaidverysoftly.

Herlowerliptrembled.Atearshecouldn’thelptrickledoutofthecornerofhereye.
“Oh,God,I’msorry,”hesaidroughly.
Shecaughtherbreathandswipedatthetear,asifitmadeherangry.“Shouldyoubegivingaidand

assistancetotheenemy?”sheaskedinachokedtone.

Hesmiled.Antagonismwasmuchpreferabletothosesilenttears.Theyhurthim.“Truce?”
Shelookedintohispaleeyes.“Truce?”
Henodded.“Wedon’twanttoscareawaythepigeons.They’reobviouslystarving.You’re

upsettingthem.”

Shewasupsettinghim,too,buthedidn’twanttoadmitit.Hefeltguiltyatthethingshe’dsaidto

her.Hehadn’trealizedthatshewasdamaged.Shehadsuchastrong,bravespiritthathehadn’t
expectedthisvulnerability.

Shestraightenedalittleandtossedmorecrumbsatthebirds.Theygatheredaroundthem,cooing.

“Iexpectifthepoliceseeme,I’llbearrested.Nobodylovespigeons.”
Hegotupanddroppedlightlyontothebenchbesideher,justfarawayenoughnottomakeher

nervous.“Ido,”hecorrected.“Ifthey’recookedright.”

Atinylittlelaughjumpedoutofherthroat,andherblackeyeslituplikefiresinthenight.
“IhadtheminMorocco,whenIwasthereonacaseonce,”heremarked.
“Idid,too.InthisbeautifulhotelonahillinTangier,”shebegan.
“ElMinzah,”hesaidwithoutthinking.
Herhandstilledinthebag.“Why,yes,”shestammered.
“TheyhadadrivernamedMustaphaandabigMercedessedan,”hecontinued,grinning.
Shelaughed.Itchangedherwholeappearance,madeherevenmorebeautiful.“Hetookmetothe

cavesoutsidethecity,wheretheBarbarypirateshidtheirloot.”

“You?Alone?”heprobedgently.
“Yes.”
“You’realwaysalone,”hesaidthoughtfully.
Shehesitated.Thenshenodded.Sheturnedbacktothepigeons.“Idon’t...mixwellwithpeople,”she

confessed.

“NeitherdoI,”hesaidgruffly.
Shetossedanotherhandfulofcrumbstothebirds.“Youhavethatlook.”
“Excuseme?”
“Mybrotherhasit,too,”shesaidwithoutglancingathim.“Theycallitthethousand-yardstare.”
Hecockedhisheadandnarrowedhispaleeyesashestaredatwhathecouldseeofherface.He

didn’tsayaword.

Sheliftedhereyesandwinced.“Sorry,”shesaid,flushing.“Ialwaysputmyfootinmymouth

aroundyou.”Sheshiftedrestlessly.“Youmakemenervous.”

Heletoutashortlaugh.“MeandtheRussianArmymaybe,”hemused.
Sheturnedherfacetowardhim.Shedidn’tunderstand.
Hesearchedherblackeyesslowly,andforlongerthanhemeantto.“Youstandyourground,”he

explained.“Youfightback.Iadmirespirit.”

Sheavertedhereyes.“Youfightback,too.”
“Long-standinghabit.”
Shetossedsomemorecrumbs.Shewasrunningout.“Youdon’treallylikewomen,doyou?”she

blurtedout,andthenflushedandgrimaced.“Sorry!Ididn’tmean...”

“No,”heinterrupted,andhiseyesgrewcold.“Idon’tlikewomen.Especiallybrunettes.”
“Thatwasawfulofme,”sheapologizedwithoutlookingathim.“ItoldyouIdon’tmixwellwith

people.Idon’tknowhowtobediplomatic.”

“Idon’tmindbluntspeaking,”hesaidsurprisingly.“Soit’smyturnnow.”Hewaiteduntilshe

lookedathimtocontinue.“Youwerehurt,badlyandphysically,byamansomewhereinyourpast.”

Thebagwentflying.Shewrappedherarmsaroundherselfandshivered.
Hewantedtodrawhercloseandholdher,comforther.Buthemovedtowardher,andsheshotto

herfeet,herheadlowered.

“God,Sara,whathappenedtoyou?”heaskedthroughhisteeth.
Sheswallowed.Swallowedagain.“Ican’t...talkaboutit.”
HewasgoingtofindoutfromGabriel.Hehadnorighttobecurious,butshewastoobeautifulto

gothroughlifelockedupinsidelikethat.Hestoodup,too,buthedidn’tmovecloser.“Youshouldbe
intherapy,”hesaidsoftly.“Thisisnosortoflife.”

“Ishouldbeintherapy?”shereturnedwithashortlaugh.“Whataboutyou?”
Hisfaceshuttered.“Whataboutme?”
“Attheballet,”shesaid.“Youhavenoideahowyoulooked...”
Hischinlifted.Hispaleeyesflashed.“Weweretalkingaboutyou.”
“Somethinghappenedtoyou,too,”shesaiddoggedly.“IthoughtyouhatedmebecauseIraninto

youwiththecar.Butthatwasn’titatall,wasit?YouhatemebecauseIlooklikeher,becauseIremind
youofher.”

Hisfacewaslikestone.Besidehim,onebighandclenched.
“You...lovedher,”sheguessed.
Hiseyesfragmented,likeicyshardscuttingintoherface.“Damnyou,”hewhisperedinavicious

undertone.Heturnedandwalkedaway.

Sara,watchinghim,wasn’tevenoffended.Shebegantounderstandhim,justalittle.Therewas

somethingtraumaticinhispast,too.Somethingthattiedhimupinknots,thatlefthimnopeace.He’d
lovedthewoman.Shesawitinhiseyes.

Perhapsshe’ddied.Orlefthimforanotherman.Whateverthereason,hewasstilltiedtoit,

wrappedupinit.Hecouldn’tgetpastit,anymorethanSaracouldforgetwhathadbeendonetoher.

Damagedpeople,shethought,andsmiledsadly.Shepickedupherbag,tosseditinanearbytrash

receptacleandwentbacktoherapartment.

***

G

ABRIEL

CAME

HOME

thatweekend.Helookedtired,andhewasn’tsmiling.

“Badweek?”Saraasked.TheywereattheranchinComancheWells.Sheonlystayedtherewhenhe

wasathome.Shewasnervousofbeingsofaroutoftownonherown.

“Verybad,”hesaid.“We’rehavingsomeproblemsovertheoilfields.Terrorists,kidnappings,the

usual,”headdedwithasmile.“Howareyou?”

Itwasathrowawayremark,exceptthathiseyeswereveryintentonherfaceashewaitedforthe

answer.

“I’m...thesame.Whydoyouask?”
“BecauseWolfPattersoncalledmeandaskedwhathadhappenedtoyouthatmadeyoubackaway

fromhimifhecametooclose.”

Herheartjumped.“Hehadnoright,”shebeganfuriously.
“HeremindedmethathewaitedforatowtruckwithyouonenightafteranoperainHouston,when

youhadaflat,andthatyoualmostrantogetintothewreckerwiththedriver.Thenhetoldmeabouta
conversationyouhadinthepark.Hesaidyouwereafraidofhimwhenhemovedclosetoyou.”

“Onlybecausehewasbeingsarcasticandobnoxious,”sheshotback.“Ican’tabidetheman!”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Iknowyoutoowelltobelievethat,”hesaid.“Youfindhimattractive.”
Sheflushed.
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Hewentthroughhellbecauseofawomanwhoresemblesyou,”hesaid

afteraminute.“He’snotanevilman.Hewouldn’thurtyoudeliberately.Buthemightnotbeableto
helpit.He’scarryingscars.Badones.”

“Canyoutellmewhy?”
Heshookhishead.“It’smuchtoopersonal.”
“Isee.”
“He’shadsomeveryhardknocksfromwomen.Hismotherhatedhim.”

“What?”
“Shedidn’twantachild,butherhusbanddid.Whenhedied,shefarmedWolfouttoonesetof

friendsafteranother.Inoneofthosehouseholds,thefatherwasanalcoholic.HebeatWolfuntilhe
wasoldenoughtofightback.Hismotherthoughtitwasfunnywhentheauthoritiestriedtomakeher
takehimback.Shesaidthatshehadnouseforasnivelinglittlebratthatshedidn’twantinthefirst
place.”

Sarasatdown.Shewasgettingaverysickpictureoftheman’sbackground.
“Butheendedupinlawenforcement.HewaswiththeFBI,”sherecalled,havingheardhimsaythat.
Gabrielalmostbithistongueoffnotreplying.“HewasacopinSanAntonioforawhile.Hewent

intootherwork,andtheyfarmedhimouttovariousagenciesovertheyears.Buthelefttheoldlife
behindwhenhecamehereandboughttheranch.”

“Heseemsanoddfitforasmalltown,”shesaidslowly.
“It’snottheusualsmalltown,”hereplied.“Hehasenemies.Jacobsvilleisoverflowingwithmercs

andex-military,andhehasfriendshere.Includingme.”

Shefrowned.“Hehasenemies?”
“Deadlyones,”hereplied.“There’salreadybeenoneattempt.”
“Someonetriedtokillhim?”sheasked,shocked,hatingherownreactiontothosewords,because

itmatteredtoherthatsomeonehadtriedtokillhim.

Gabrielsawthat.“Yes.Whichmakeshimamovingtarget,alongwithanyonewhogetscloseto

him.”Heputhisbighandoverhers.“You’vehadenoughtragedyandtraumainyourlife.Idon’twant
youaroundhim.”

Shegnawedherlowerlip.
“Sara,whateveryouthinkyoufeel,”hesaid,choosinghiswords,“itwouldn’tendwell.Hehasn’t

facedhispastanymorethanyou’vefacedyours.Thetwoofyoucoulddamageeachother,badly.”

“Isee.”
“He’snotthemanforyoutocutyourteethon.Ican’ttellhimwhathappenedtoyou,andIknow

forafactthatyouwon’t.He’saggressivewithwomenhewants.Youcan’taffordtolethimwantyou.
Doyouunderstand?”

Sheswallowed.“Yes.”
“I’msorry.”
Shedrewinabreath,forcedasmileandchangedthesubject.“Howaboutasliceofcake?Imade

youachocolateone.”

Hesmiledback.“Thatwouldbenice.”

CHAPTERTHREE

S

ARA

FELT

GRIEF

likealivingthingwhensherememberedwhatGabrielhadsaidaboutWolfPatterson.

Untilthen,shehadn’trealizedhowherattitudetowardhimwaschanging.Whenhe’dkneltinfrontof
herinthepark,spokentoherinthatgentletone,herhearthadstartedtomelt.ButsheknewGabriel
wasright.Shecouldn’taffordtoencourageamanlikethat.

Aggressivewithwomenhewanted,Gabrielhadsaid.Soherbrotherknewthingsabouthim,knew

thathehadwomen.

Itshouldn’thavesurprisedher.Wolfwasanattractiveman.Whenhewasn’tbaitingherandbeing

sarcastic,hewascharming.Thoseblondewomenshe’dseenhimwithwerecertainlycharmed,she
thoughtbitterly.Blonde.Alwaysblonde.Hehatedbrunettes.Sarawasabrunette...

Themoreshethoughtaboutit,themoreithurt.She’dburiedherselfinherstudiesforyears,

learnedlanguages,traveled,doneanythingshecouldtoforcethehorriblememoriesoutofhermind.
Shesucceededforwholedaysatatime,althoughthenightmarescamefrequently,andshewokeup
screaming.

Inthedaytimetherewasaremedy.Shecouldride.Shelovedhorses,andshewasanaccomplished

rider.ThefreedomofsailingacrossthepasturesonthebackofBlackSilk,thefastestofGabriel’s
geldings,wasathrillbeyonddescription.Itblewawaythepain.Itgaveherpeace.

BlackSilkhadawild,freespirit,muchlikeSaraherself.Shetossedthesaddleontohisback,

checkedthebindingsandswunggracefullyupontohisback.Shepushedhimintoafullgallopacross
thepasture.Laughing,withherlithebodyclingingtothesaddle,herlongblackhairflyingbehind
her,shemadeapicturethatanartistwouldhaveloved.

Butthemandrivingalongtheroad,watchingher,wasfilledwithhorror.Shecouldbreakherneck

likethat!

Hedrovehellforleatherdowntheroadtotheendofthepasture,swungtheMercedesuptothe

fenceandslammedoutofitsecondsafterhecutofftheengine.

Sara,shocked,sawhimandpulledBlackSilkupatthefence,pattinghimtoeasehisnervousness.

Shelethimwalktothewateringtroughandsatstillwhilehedrank,andafuriousWolfPatterson
camerightoverthefencetowardher.

“Getdown,”hesaidinatonethatcouldhavecurdledmilk.
Speechless,shejustsatandlookedathim.
Hereachedupandpulledheroffthehorse’sbackasifsheweighednothing.Hestoodthere,

holdingherinhisarmsofftheground,andglaredintohershockedblackeyes.

“Youcrazylittlefool,youcouldhavekilledyourself!”hegroundout.
“But...Ialwaysride...likethat,”shebegan.
Hishardfacewaspale.Hiseyeswereflashinglikefireworks.Hiseyesfelltoherbeautifulface,to

herwideblackeyes,tohersoftbowofamouth.Hegroaned,almostshiveringwithhunger,and
suddenlybroughthismouthrightdownoverSara’ssoftlipswithoutonesinglesignofhesitation.

Hefeltherbodygostiff.Hismouthinsisted,buttheharderhekissedher,themoreshestiffened.

Afterafewseconds,herealizedthatshewasfrightenedofhim.

Heforcedhimselftoslowdown,althoughhermouthwasthesweetestnectarhe’dtastedinyears.

Hesmoothedhislipstenderlyoverhertoplip,teasingit,toyingwithit,inasilencebrokenonlyby
theraspysoundofhisownbreathingandthequickrhythmofhers.

“Iwon’thurtyou,”hewhispered.“Don’tfightme.Openyourmouthundermine.Letmetaste

you...”

She’dneverfeltanythingquitelikeit.Herhandshadadeathgriponhisneck,coldandtremulous

asshelethimkissher.Ithadbeenyearssinceshe’deventoleratedakiss.Hismouthwassensuous,
firm,veryexpert.Shedidn’tknowwhattodo,butshedidrelaxjustalittle.Itfeltgood.It
felt...wonderful.Nothinglikethemaninhernightmares...

Heliftedhisheadafewsecondslaterandlookedintoherwide,curiousblackeyes.“Youdon’t

knowhowtodothis,”hesaidinadeep,almostshockedtone.

Sheswallowed.Shecouldtastehimonhermouth,tastedcoffeeandsomethinglikemint.
Hewasfascinated.Hebenttohermouthagain,drewhiseversosoftlyoverit,smilingfaintly,

becauseshewasn’tresistinghim.

“Likethis,”hewhispered,andtaughtherthebrushinglittlecaressesthatweretenderandslowand

arousing.

Shefollowedhislead,herheartracing.Hewasherworstenemyintheworld,andshewasletting

himkissher.Notonlythat.Shewas...kissinghimback.Hetastedlikehoney...

“That’sit,baby,”hewhispered.“Yes.Justlikethat...”
Hisarmscontractedandhismouthopened,pressingherlipsapart.Hisbodywashardeningashe

heldher.Hehadn’tfeltanythingsopowerfulforaverylongtime.Hermouthwasthesweetesthoney
he’deverhad.

Shefeltthestrengthinhishardarms,thewarmthofhismuscularchestagainstherbreasts.She

moanedsoftlyassensationsshe’dneverfeltinherlifelancedthroughher.

Heheardthesoftmoanandsuddenlygroundherbreastsagainsthimasthefeverbegantoburnin

him.Thatwaswhenhefelthergostiff.

Heforcedhimselftolifthishead.Hereyeswerewideandshocked,andnowtherewasfearinthem.

Hiseyesnarrowedasherealizedwhy.Hernippleswerehard,likelittlestonespressingintohischest.
Didsheknowwhytheywerehard?hewondered.Becausesheactedlikeawomanwithherfirstman.

Hischinliftedashelookedather.Hefeltarrogant.“Haveyoueverhadaman?”heaskedinadeep,

roughwhisper.

Herreactionshockedhim.Shemadeasoundlikeasobdeepinherthroatandpushedathim,

frantically.“Letmedown.Letmedown,please!”

Heputheronherfeet.Shelookedupathimwithanguish.
Thereactionsethimoff.Hehadn’tmeanttotouchher.Thewayshewasridinghadfrightenedhim,

Godknewwhy.Hewasonlytryingtokeephersafe.Butshebackedawayasifhe’ddonesomething
unspeakable.

Hispaleeyesnarrowed.“Yourlovelifeisnoneofmybusiness,”hesaidshortly.“Butit’sagood

act.”

Hertonguefeltthick.“Act?”
Hismouthpulledupintoacold,sarcasticsmile.“Thefrightenedvirginbit,”heexplained.Heslid

hishandsintohispockets,andhatefulmemoriesfloodedhismind,ofanotherbrunette,coyand
teasingandinnocent.Exceptthatshewasn’tinnocent.She’dtormentedhim,shatteredhislife.Ithad
startedjustlikethis.

Shewrappedherarmsaroundherchest.Shefeltcoldallover.Technically,shewasstillavirgin.

ButthatwasonlyduetoaphysicalbarrierthathadstoppedherstepfatherlongenoughforGabrielto
breakinthedoor.

Sheclosedhereyes,andawaveofpurenauseasweptoverher.Shewasbackinthattime,inthat

space,inherroom,screamingforhelpthatsheneverexpectedtocome.Hermotherhadgone

shopping.Gabrielwasinschool.Exceptthathe’dleftclassearly.ThankGodhehad!

Sheshivered.
Wolf,watchingher,wastornbyconflictingemotions.Partofhimwasablazewithamonstrous

desiretopushherdowninthegrassandhaveherrightthere.Another,saner,partwascertainthatit
wasanact.Awomanwhotraveled,wassophisticatedandwasofheragewasafraidofkisses?She’d
beenputtingonanact.Inhiscar,aftertheopera,intheparkandnowhere.Tempthim,pretendtobe
afraidtomakehimvulnerable.Andthenthekniveswouldcomeoutofhiding.Exactlyastheyhad
withYsera.

Ysera.Hiseyesclosedonasilentgroan.He’dlovedher.Whatshe’ddonetohimwasbeyond

cruelty.

Sarahadturnedaway.Sheclimbedbackintothesaddle.Shedidn’tlookatWolfPatterson.
“I’vebeenridinghorsessinceIwasthreeyearsold,”shesaidthroughherteeth.“WhenIwas

younger,Ididrodeo.Iknowhowtohandlehorses.”

“AndnowIknowthat,don’tI?”hesaid.Hesmiledather.Itwasn’tanicesmile.Itwasdemeaning,

arrogant.“Justfortherecord,Idon’tlikebrunettes.YoumighthavenoticedthatthewomenIdateare
blonde.”

Shedidn’tanswerhim.
“Thefrightenedvirginbitwon’tworkagain,”headded.“You’llhavetothinkofsomethingalittle

moreoriginal.I’manoldfox,honey.Iknowwomen.”

Shefeltachillrundownherspine.Sheliftedherchin.“Whateveryoumaythink,I’mnotinthe

moodforatorridloveaffair,Mr.Patterson,”shesaidhaughtily.“Leastofallwithyou.”

Heonlysmiled.“You’dbelucky,”hedrawled.
Shefoughtthememoryofhowgentlehe’dbeen,howverytender.Shedidn’twanttoremember.

Herhandtightenedonthereins.Then,involuntarily,sherememberedwhatGabrielhadtoldherabout
Wolf’smother,andshewincedinwardly.Thewomanhaddoneuntolddamage.Nodoubttherewas
someotherwoman,aswell,morerecently,who’daddedtohisscars.Hewasthemostmistrustful
personshe’deverknown.Shedidn’ttrustpeople,either,butshecouldn’ttalktohim.Hedislikedher.
Butwhyhadhekissedher?Shecouldn’tunderstandthewayhewentfromhottocoldandbackagain
withher.

Hewasstudyingthehorseclosely.
“Somethingonyourmind?”sheaskedcoolly.
“Couldn’tgetthebroomcranked?”
Herblackeyesflashedlikelightning.“IfIhadabroom,I’dhityouwithit!”
“AndyouknowwhatI’ddowhenyoudid,don’tyou?”Hisvoicewasdeepandcaressing.Hiseyes

weresensuous,likethatfirm,chiseledmouth,smilingatherasifhekneweverythingshewasfeeling.
Shecouldseeinhermindwhathewasthinking,seehimtakethebroomawayandjerkherintohis
arms,andbendhishead...

Sheswallowed,hard,andfoughtdownanewanddisturbinghunger.
“Ihavetogohome.”Sheturnedthehorsewitheasyskill.
“Timetofeedtheflyingmonkeys?”
Shestartedtosaysomething,bithertongueinsteadandgallopedaway,red-faced.

***

G

ABRIEL

DIDN

’

T

LIKE

partiesasarule,buttherewasalwaystheoneexception.Jacobsvillehadholiday

eventstobenefitthelocalanimalshelter.Therewasadanceattheciviccenter,andeverybody
attended.Itwasoneofseveralthroughouttheyear.Thisonewasforspring.

Sarawentwithherbrother.Michellewascominghomesoon,butshe’dhadajobinterviewinSan

Antonio,andshewantedtostaythereovertheweekendinSara’sapartment.SoitwasjustSaraand
Gabrielatthedance.

Saraletherhairfallnaturally,thickandblackanddowntoherwaistinback.Sheworeanoff-white

ankle-lengthdressthatcomplementedhersoft,paleoliveskin,whileemphasizingherblackeyes,her
beauty.Sheworeonlyastringofpearlsandstudearringswithit.

Shelookedexquisitelybeautiful.
WolfPattersonhatedheronsightinthatdress.HerememberedYserawearingonelikeitwhenthey

wentnightclubbinginBerlin.Attheendoftheevening,he’dremovedit.Yserahadvampedhim,
seducedhim,whisperedhowmuchshelovedhim,howmuchshewantedhim.Thenshe’dridiculed
him,laughedathim,madehimfeellikeafool.

Saracaughtthatexpressiononhisfaceandcouldn’tunderstandit.Sheavertedhereyesandsmiled

atanelderlycattlemanwhoseemedtohavecometothebenefitalone.

“Prettyyoungwomanlikeyoushouldn’tbehangingoutwithanoutlawlikeme,”heteased.“You

shouldgetoutthereanddance.”

Shesmiledsadlyasshenursedasoftdrink.“Idon’tdance.”Shedid,butshecouldn’tabidebeing

thatclosetoaman.Notanymore.

“Nowthat’sapity.Youshouldgetourpolicechieftoteachyou.”Hechuckled,indicatingCash

Grier,whowasoutonthedancefloorwithhisbeautifulredheadedwife,Tippy,doingamasterful
waltz.

“I’djusttripovermyfeetandkillsomebody.”Saralaughedsoftly.
“Hi,Sara,”oneofEbScott’smencalledtoher.Sheknewhim.Gabrielhadinvitedhimtothehouse

acoupleoftimes.Hewastallanddark,veryhandsome,withflashinggreeneyes.“Howabout
dancingwithme?”

“Sorry,”shedeclinedwithasmile.“Idon’tdance...”
“That’ssilly.Icanteachyou.Here.”Hetookthesoftdrinkawayandcaughtherhand.
Shereactedbadly.Shejerkedback,flushed.“Ted,don’t,”shesaidinacurtundertone,tuggingat

herhand.

He’dhadatleastonedrinktoomany.Hedidn’trealizewhathewasdoingtoher.“Oh,comeon,it’s

justadance!”

WolfPattersoncaughthimbythecollarandalmostthrewhimawayfromSara.
“Shesaidshedidn’twanttodance,”hetoldtheman,andhisposturewasdangerousenoughto

sobertheothermanup.Fortunately,theywereinanalcove,andtheydidn’tdrawattention.Sarawas
embarrassedenoughalready.

“Gosh.Sorry,Sara,”Tedtoldher,flustered,asheglancedatWolfPatterson,whoseeyeswere

glitteringlikefreshice.

“It’sokay,”shesaidinahuskyundertone.Butherhandswereshaking.
Tedgrimaced,noddedatWolfandmadehimselfscarce.
Saraswallowed,thenswallowedagain.Shewasshaking.Anysortofaggressionfromaman,even

slight,wasenoughtosetheroff.

“Comewithme,”Wolfsaidquietly.Hestoodaside,indicatingthesidedoor.
Shefollowedhimoutintothenight.Itwascold,andhercoatwasinthehallwithalltheothers.
Wolftookoffhisjacketandsliditoverhersoft,bareshoulders.Itwaswarmfromhisbody.It

smelledofmasculinespice.

“You’llgetcold,”sheprotested.
Hestuckhishandsintohispocketsandshrugged.“Idon’tfeelthecoldmuch.”
Theystaredoutoverthelongpasturethatledtoawoodedareaaroundthecommunitycenter.The

nightwasquiet,exceptforthedistantsoundofdogshowling.Therewasacrescentmoonthatgave
justenoughlighttoletthemseeeachother.

“Thanks,”shebitoff,notlookingathim.
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Hewasdrinking.He’llapologizethenexttimeheseesyou.”
“Yes.”
“Youhavesomerealissueswithmen,”hesaidafteraminute.
“No,I...”
Heturnedquicklytowardher.Shejerkedbackwardhelplessly.
Helaughedcoldly.“No?”
Shebitherlowerlipandloweredhereyes.“Youthinkyoucangetoverthings,”shesaidinadull

tone.“Butthepastisportable.Youcan’trunfromit,nomatterhowfastyougo,howfaryougo.”

“Youcancashchecksonthat,”heagreedbitterly.
“I’msorryIsetyouoff,atthehouse,”shebegan.
“Youremindmeofher,”hebitoff.“Shewasbeautiful,too.Brunette,blackeyes,olivecomplexion.

Intherightlight...”Hehesitated.“DoIremindyouofthemanwhohurtyou?”heaskedabruptly.

“Hewasblond,”shesaidunsteadily.
“Isee.”
Sheclosedhereyes.
“Gabrielwon’ttellmeadamnedthingaboutyou.”
“We’reeven.Hewon’ttellmeaboutyou,either.”
Hemanagedafaintlaugh.“Curiousaboutme,areyou?”
“Not...thatway,”shesaidunderherbreath.
“Really?”Heturnedandmovedjustastepcloser.“Youwerekissingmebackinthepasture.”
Sheflushed.“Youcaughtme...offguard.”
“Justhowexperiencedareyou?”heaskedbluntly.“Isthatinnocencereal,orisitanact?Something

todisarmamanandmakehimfeelprotective?”

Shewrappedhisjacketcloseraroundherthinshoulders.“Iliveinsidemyself,”shesaidaftera

minute.“Idon’t...needotherpeople.”

“Ifeelthatway,too,mostofthetime.Butthentherearethelong,emptynightswhenIhavetohave

awomanjusttogetthroughthem.”

Herfaceflamed.“Luckywomen,”shedrawled.
Hishandcameup,veryslowly,andpushedbackalongstrandofsilkyblackhairfromherface.

“Yes,theyare.I’matenderlover,”hesaidsoftly.

Shesteppedback,nervously.Shedidn’tlikethementalpicturesthatwereforminginhermind.
“Sara,areyouallright?”Gabrielaskedfromthedoorway.
Theybothturnedtolookathim.“Yes,”shesaid.
HegaveWolfaspeakinglook.“Youshouldcomebackin.It’scold.”
“I’llbethereinjustaminute,”shepromised.
Gabrielnoddedandwentinside,butwithobviousreluctance.
“Yourbrotherdoesn’twantmeanywherenearyou,”Wolftoldher.
“Yes.Hetoldmethatyou’re...”SheflushedassherecalledwhatGabrielhadsaid,thatWolfwas

aggressivewithwomenhewanted.“Hesaidthatyouhaveapastthatyouhaven’tdealtwith.”

“Likeyou,”hereturned.
Shenodded.“Hesaidwecouldhurteachotherbadly.”
“He’sright,”herepliedwithnarrow,darkeyes.“Pastacertainpoint,Iwouldn’tbetender.AndI

thinkaggressioniswhatfrightensyouthemost.”

“Ican’t...dothat,”shesaid,hervoicecurt.
“Dowhat?”
“Sleep...withanyone.”
Hisfacehardened.“Thenyoushouldn’tsendoutsignalsthatyou’reavailable.Shouldyou?”
“Ihaven’t!”
“Youlayinmyarmslikeasilkendollandletmehaveyourmouth,”hesaidunderhisbreath,his

voicedeepandsoftandsensuous.Heleanedtowardherconspiratorially.“That’sasignal.”

“Iwassurprised,”sheshotback.“Caughtoffguard.”
“Youdon’tlikemenclosetoyou,”hesaid,thinkingoutloud.“YouwerefrightenedofTed.Butyou

likeitwhenItouchyou,Sara.”

“I...don’t!”
Hisforefingerwenttohersoftbowmouthandtracedarounditsoutlineinaslow,sensuous

appraisalthatmadeittremble.

Hemovedastepcloser,watchingherfacelifthelplessly,feelingthequick,involuntarywhipofher

breath.

“Yourbrotherwasright,”hewhisperedashebent.Hismouthshiveredoverherpartedlips,barely

touching,tracing,tempting.“I’mmuchmoredangerousthanIlook.”

Shewantedtomoveaway.Shereallydid.Butthefeelofhimsoclosetoher,thesmellofhim,

familiaranddear,thehardwarmthofhismouthteasinghers,madeherreckless.She’dneverreally
wantedamantokissher.ButsheloveditwhenWolfdid.Hemadethebadmemoriesgoaway.

Hisfingersweretracingupanddownherlongneck,makingsensuouslittlepatternswhilehis

mouthsmoothedoverherlips.

“Youcouldbecomeanaddiction,”hewhispered.“ThatwouldbetheworstthingIcoulddotoyou.”
Hereyesopenedwideonhisface,seeingitharden,seeinghiseyesglitter.
“Imeanit,”hesaidroughly.“Ihatebrunettes.Iwouldn’tmeantotakeoutoldvendettasonyou,but

Imightnotbeabletohelpit.”Hismouthcrusheddownonhersbrieflyandthenlifted.“Shelikedto
makemecrazyinbed,thenshelaughedatmewhenIlostcontrolandwentovertheedge.”

Shecaughtherbreathattheimagesthatflashedthroughhermind.
“Idon’tthinksheeverfeltadamnedthing.Butshepretendedthatshedid,atfirst.Shetoldmeshe

wasavirgin.Sheevenactedlikeone...”

HejerkedawayfromSara.Hispaleeyeswereglitteryonherface.“Justlikeyou,”hesaidina

roughundertone.“BackingawaytomakemecomeclosethenpretendingthatIgotthroughher
defenses,thatIwasn’tliketheothermenwhofrightenedher.”

ShebegantounderstandwhatGabrielmeant.Shefeltasenseofloss.Thismanwasfarmore

damagedeventhanshewas.

“Haveyoueverhadtherapy?”sheaskedsadly.
“Therapy.”Helaughedoutloud.“IhadtwoyearsofawomanridiculingmeeverytimeIlayinher

arms,makingmebegforsatisfaction.Candamnedtherapyfixthat?”heaskedinaraspingtone.

Shewinced.
“SoIdateblondes.Theydon’tcomewithbadmemories,andIcanmakethemlosecontrol,make

thembegme.”Hesmiledcoldly.“Payback.”

Shehadasickfeelingdeepinside.Hewoulddothattoher,iftheyeverbecameinvolved.Hewould

makeherpayforthosescarstheotherwomanhadgivenhim.Shehadn’trealizeduntilthenthatshe
feltdifferentwithhimthansheeverhadwithothermen.

“HaveIshockedyou?”heaskedsarcastically.
“Yes,”sherepliedsoftly.“I...haven’tever...Well,that’snotquitetrue.”Sheloweredhereyes.“My

stepfathertriedtohaveme.Hewasbrutalandvulgarandtherewasatrial...Ihadtotestifyagainst
him.Hewenttoprison.”

“Didyouteasehim?”heaskedcoldly.“Drivehimcrazyuntilhehadtodosomethingaboutit?”
Whyhadshethoughthemightfeeldifferentlythanothermenhad?Shelaughedsoftlytoherself.

Shetookoffhisjacketandhandedittohim.“I’msurethat’swhatIdid,”shereplied.“Itmusthave
beenmyfault.”

Hecouldn’tseeherface.Hedidn’trealizethatshewasbeingsarcastic.“Poordamnedfool,”hebit

off.“Justdon’tthinkyou’llevergettheopportunitytotryitoutonme.”

“Mr.Patterson,”shesaidwithraggedpride,“itwouldneveroccurtomethatyou’dbethatstupid.

Excuseme.”

Shebrushedbyhimandwentintotheciviccenter.ShefoundGabrielstandingbythepunchbowl.

Shewaspoised,butverypale.

“I’dliketogohome,please,”shesaidinahauntedtone.
GabriellookedoverherheadatWolfPatterson’scoldexpression.Heglaredathisfriend,butSara

lookedasifshecouldn’ttakeanymore.

“Yes,”hetoldher.“Comeon.”

***

S

HE

MADE

COFFEE

.Theysatatthekitchentableanddrankit.

“Whatdidhesaytoyou?”
“Theusualthings.”Shesighed.“Buthedidtellmeaboutthewoman...”
“Ysera?”
Shelookedup.“Isthathername?”
Henodded.Hisfacewasgrim.“Wehatedher.Weknewwhatshewasdoingtohim,butyoucan’t

dragamanawayfromawomanhethinkshe’sinlovewith.Shedamnedneardestroyedhim.”He
frowned.“He’sneverspokenofittoanyone.Noteventome.Iknowaboutitfromagirlwhoworked
withher.ShethoughtYserawaswarped,mentally.Ihavetoagree.”

“Hetoldmeabouthertowarnmeoff,”shesaid.Sheshookherhead.“Ican’timagineaman

puttingupwiththat.”

“Helovedher,”hesaidsimply.
Shedrewinabreathandsippedcoffee.“Hesaidthathedidn’tthinktherapycoulddoanythingfor

him.”Sheflushed.

“Whatelsedidhesay?”
Shelaughedhollowly.“ThatImusthaveteasedourstepfatheruntilhewentcrazytohaveme.”
“I’llbreakhisdamnedneck!”
“Youwillnot,”shesaid,pullinghisshirtsleevetomakehimsitbackdown.“Hedoesn’tknowa

thingaboutme.It’swhatevenoneofmyfriendsthought.”

“Youwerethirteen!”

Shewinced.“MaybeIworeshortstoomuch...”
“Oh,God,don’tdothattoyourself!”heburstout.“Youwereachild,farmoreinnocentthanmost

girlsyourage.He’dbeenafteryouformonths.”

“Ididn’ttellyouthat!”sheexclaimed,embarrassed.
“Theprosecutortoldme,”hereplied.“Hewaslivid.Hesaidtheyshouldhavethedeathpenaltyfor

caseslikeyours.”

Sheloweredhereyestothetable.“Ihavenopeace.Ihavenightmares.”Shesmiledsadly.“There’s

thismanIplayWoWwith,”sherecalled.“Hesayshehasnightmares,too.Ofcourse,hecouldbea
womanoramanorachild,Idon’treallyknow,buthe...hegivesmepeace.Wegetalongsowell
together.Hesaidthathecouldn’tgetawayfromthepast.Iknowhowthatfeels.”

Hedidn’tdaretellherthatherWoWfriendwasnoneotherthanWolfPatterson.Theplayerwasthe

onlyrealconfidantshehad,besidesGabriel.Itwasoneoftheonlyhappythingsinhersadlife,that
game.PerhapsitwastheonlythingWolfhad,aswell.

“Doyouknowwhoheisintherealworld?”heaskedconversationally.
“Oh,no.Idon’twantto,”sheadded.“Thegameisn’tlikereallife.Wejusthavefunplaying

together,likechildren.”Shelaughed.“It’ssofunny.Idon’thavefriends,youknow.ButIhaveafriend
inhim.Icantalktohim.Notthatwegointospecifics.Buthe’sacompassionateperson.”

“Soareyou.”
Shesmiled.“Itrytobe.”
“Sara,doyouunderstandnowwhyItoldyouthatyoucan’taffordtoletWolfgetclosetoyou?”
Shenodded.
“SomeonesaidthatTedgotinsistentaboutdancingwithyou,”hesaidabruptly.
“Yes.Hetriedtodragmeoutontothedancefloor,”shereplieduneasily.“Mr.Pattersoncaughthim

bythecollarandalmostthrewhimintoawall.”Sheshivered.“He’sscarywhenheloseshistemper.”

“Onlybecauseheneverlosesit,”Gabrielreplied.“That’sonemanyoudon’teverwanttomake

mad.Well,ifyou’reaman,thatis.I’veneverknownhimtohurtawoman.”Hestudiedher.“Hewas
aggressivewithTed?”

“Yes.”
Hedidn’twanttomaketheobviousassumption,butitpresenteditselfjustthesame.Tedwastrying

toputthemakeonSara,andWolfwasprotectiveofher.Jealousoverher?Possibly.

“Itwouldn’tendwell,”hesaid,thinkingoutloud.
“Don’tyouthinkIknowthat?”sheasked.“Heeventoldmethathe...getsevenforwhatthebrunette

didtohim,withotherwomen.”Sheflushed.

“Hedoesn’ttalkaboutit,toanyone,”herepeated.“Whydidhetellyou?”
“Idon’tunderstandwhy,either,”shereplied.“Hehatesbrunettes.”
“Youhavetomakesurehedoesn’tdevelopatasteforyou,”hesaidfirmly.
Shenodded.Shewasrememberinghowitfelttokisshim,tobeinhisarms,andshedidn’twantto.

Shedidn’tdaretellGabrielhowthingshadalreadygottenphysicalbetweenthem.

“Don’tworry,”shesaidgently,andsmiled.“I’mnotsuicidal.”

***

A

FEW

DAYS

LATER

,shehadoccasiontorememberthosewords.

CHAPTERFOUR

S

ARA

WAS

DRIVING

pastWolfPatterson’sranchonaSundayafternoon,onherwayhomefrompicking

upaloafofbreadattheSav-A-LotGroceryStore,whenshenoticedabigblackforminthemiddleof
theroad.

Sheslammedonthebrakesjustintimetoavoidhittingwhatwasontheroad,ahugeRottweiler.It

hadbloodalloverit.

Sheparkedhercarinthemiddleoftheroad.Therewasnotraffic,darntheluck,soshecouldn’t

wavedownanyonetohelpher.Sheapproachedthebigdog.Itwaswhining.Therewasbloodonits
side,andonelegwasturnedatanoddangle.

“Oh,dear.”Sherantothecar,pulledanafghanoutofthebackseatandputitinthefrontseat.Then

shewentbacktothedog.Itwasenormous,butmaybeshecouldliftit.Ifshecouldgetitintohercar,
shecouldfindavet.Shehopeditwouldn’tbiteher,butshecouldn’tstandbyanddonothing.She
reacheddown,talkinggentlytoit,smoothingoveritshead.“Poor,poorthing,”shewhispered,and
slidherarmsunderit.

Shewaswearingayellowsweaterandblackslacks.Bloodsaturatedhersweaterasshestruggledto

pickupthehugeanimal.Sheheardavehicleapproachingandeasedthedogtotheground.Sheran
towardthetruck,wavingherarmsfrantically.

“Whatthehell...!”WolfPattersonexclaimedwhenheslammedoutofthetruck.Shewascoveredin

blood.Hefeltajoltoffear.Hadshebeeninjured?“Sara!”

ThatwaswhenhespottedHellscream,lyingontheroad.
“Whathappened?”hebitoff.“She’smydog.”
“Idon’tknow,”shegroaned.“IalmosthitherbeforeIsawherlyingontheroad.Somebodymust

haverunoverherandjustleft!Damnthecoldheartedidiotwhodidthis!Itriedtoliftherandputher
intomycartotakehertothevet,butshe’ssoheavy!”

“I’llgethertothevet,”hesaid.HelookedatSarawithnarrow,shockedeyes.“Yoursweateris

soakedwithblood.”

“Itwillwash,”shesaid.“Oh,hurry,she’sinsomuchpain!”
Heturnedandputthebigdogontheseatbesidehimandspedaway.

***

S

ARA

HAD

A

SHOWER

andwashedherclothes.Shehopedthedogwouldbeallright.Gabrielhadgone

toseeEbScott.Shewishedhewashome,sothatshecouldgethimtocallWolfandaskaboutthedog.
Shewastoointimidatedbythebigmantodoitherself.

Shewassittingatthekitchentabledrinkingcoffeewhensheheardacardriveup.
Shewenttothedoor,peeringoutthroughthesecurityport,andsawWolfPattersonstridingupto

theporch.

Hewaswearingranchclothes,denimjeansandachambrayshirtwithabatteredblackStetsonand

tanbootsthathadseenbetterdays.Tanbatwingchapsflappedwhenhewalked.

Sheopenedthedoorbeforehecouldknock.
“Howisshe?”sheasked.
Henodded.“She’llbefine.It’sSundayandthestaffwasoff,soIhadtohelpDr.Rydelholdher

whilehecleanedthewoundsandstitchedherup.Hesetthebreakinherleg.She’sprettysick,buthe

saysshe’llmend.”Hehesitated.“Thankyouforstopping.”

“Icouldneverleaveananimalhurtontheroad.”
“Someonedid.AndI’llfindoutwho,”headdedcoldly.
Lookingintothosepiercingpaleeyes,shewasgladshewasn’tthepersonwholefthisdog

bleedingonthehighway.

“Wouldyou...likecoffee?”sheasked.
“Yes.IsGabehere?”
“HewentovertoEbScott’s,butheshouldbebacksoon.Didyouneedtoseehim?”
“Yes.I’llwait,ifImay.”
“Ofcourse.”
Shepouredblackcoffeeintoamugwhilehestraddledachairatthekitchentable.Hewatchedher

movearoundtheroom,gatheringupcreamandsugartoputonthetable.

“Doyoucook?”heaskedsuddenly.
Shelaughedsoftly.“Yes.”
Hewaslookingattherackofcookbooksonthecounter.“Frenchcuisine?”
“IlikeFrenchpastries,”shesaid.“Weneverlivedcloseenoughtoacitytobuythem,soIlearned

tomakethem.Myfatherlovedéclairs,”sherecalledwithasadsmile.

“Didyourmothercook?”
Herfaceclosedup.“Doyoutakecreamorsugarinyourcoffee?”sheaskedinstead.
Hiseyesnarrowedonhersuddenlypaleface.Heshookhishead.“Yourmotherblamedyoufor

whathappened.”

Shesatdownandwrappedherhandsaroundhermug.“Yes.”
“Shesawyouasarival,Igather.”
HemadeitsoundasifSarahadbeengrownwhenithappened.Butitwastoopainfultodiscuss.“I

don’tknowhowshesawme.Shehatedme.Ineversawheragain,afterthetrial.Shediedsometime
back.”

Heliftedthemugtohislipsandraisedaneyebrow.“Youcouldfloatahorseshoeinthis,”he

pointedout.

Shemanagedasmile.“Ilikestrongcoffee.”
“SodoI.”Hesippeditagain.“MymotherturnedmeoutwhenIwasaboutfour.Shehatedmy

father.Ihadthemisfortunetolooklikehim.”

Shedidn’tbetraythatGabrielhadalreadytoldheraboutthispartofWolf’spast.“I’msorry,”she

said.“Iwouldn’tknowwhatasweetmotherwas.GabrielandIneverhadmuchlovefromours.”

Heturnedthecupinhishands.“NeitherdidI.”
“Isshestillalive?’
Hiseyeswereterribletolookinto.“Idon’tknow.Idon’tgiveadamn.”
Shesighed.“Iwouldfeelthesame,ifminewasstillalive.”
Hesippedcoffee.“Thatwasonedamnedexpensivesweateryouhadon,”hesaidafteraminute.

“Youdidn’tevenhesitatetoliftHellie.”

“Isthathername?Hellie?”sheaskedwithasmile.
Henodded.Hedidn’taddthatitwasshortforHellscream.Shewouldn’tunderstandthereference,

anyway.Hellscreamwasamaleorcinhisvideogame,andhethoughtthenamewasamusingfora
femaledog.HehatedHellscreamasleaderoftheHordeforces.

“IboughtherwhenImovedhere.She’sthreeyearsold.Mybestgirl,”headdedwithasmile,one

ofthefewgenuinesmilesshe’deverseenonhishardface.

Shewasstudyingthebacksofhishands.Therewerefinescarsonthem.
Heraisedaneyebrow.“Somethingyouwanttosay?”hemused.
“YousaidthatyougotscarsonyourhandsfromrappellingfromhelicoptersintheFBI,”shesaid.
“Yes?”
“Howdoyougetscarsonthebacksofyourhandswhenyou’rerappelling?Youweargloves,don’t

you?”

Hiseyeshadanoddexpression.“You’reperceptive.”
Shestudiedhisface.“Thatmeansyouaren’ttellingmeathing,Mr.Patterson.”
Hesearchedhereyesandthenavertedhis.Shewassoformalwithhim.Well,shewasyoungandhe

wasn’t.Thirty-seventohertwentysomething.Itmadehimfeelcoldinside,thoseyearsthatstood
betweenthem.Evenifhewastempted,andhewas,shewasfartooyoungforamanwithhisjaded
past.Nottomentionhewasfriendswithherbrother.Hecouldn’taffordtogetinvolvedwithher.She
wasmysteriousinherway,andshe’dtemptedherstepfatherawayfromhermother.Shemight
pretendtobeinnocent,butwasshe?Yserahadtriedthattrickonhim.Hedidn’ttrustwomen.Lying
seductresses,thelotofthem.

“YouneverstaydownhereontheranchwhenGabe’soutoftown,doyou?”heasked,for

somethingtobreaktheuncomfortablesilence.

“No,”shesaid.“I’m...nervousifI’maloneatnight.”
“YouhaveanapartmentinSanAntonio,don’tyou?You’realonethere.”
“IhaveneighborsthatIknow,”shereplied.“Outhere,there’sjustme.”Sheswallowed.“Gabriel

hasenemies.Oneofthemtargetedme,inthepast.Iwasveryluckythathewashomeatthetime.”

Hescowled.Hehadn’tconsideredthatGabe’slineofworkwouldputherindanger.Butofcourse

itwould.Hehadenemiesofhisown.Onehadtriedtokillhim,althoughhewonderednowifYsera
hadn’tsentthemanafterhim.She’dswornbloodyvengeancewhenheturnedherovertothe
authorities.

Hiseyeswenttothesilkyblueblouseshewaswearing.Ithadfinepearlbuttonsallthewaydown

thefront.Underit,hecouldseetheoutlineofherbreasts,firmandtip-tilted.Theymadehimache.

“Couldyou...notdothat,please?”sheasked,foldingherarmsacrossherblouse.
Heleanedbackinhischairandjustlookedather.Therewasaworldofsensualwisdominhispale

eyes.“Youseemliketwopeoplesometimes,”heremarked.“Onebrashandhot-tempered,theother
nervousandvulnerable.”

“Weallhavedifferentsidestoourpersonalities,Ithink.Morecoffee?”sheasked,forsomethingto

say.

Henodded.Hiseyeswerecalculating,butshedidn’tnoticeuntilitwastoolate.Asshereachedfor

hiscup,hereachedforher,andpulledhergentlydownontohislap.

“Nothingheavy,”hepromised,hisvoicedeepandsoft,likevelvet.Hisbighandspreadacrossher

cheek,holdingherfacesothathecouldseeherblackvelveteyes.Theywerehugeinherbeautiful
face,sadandapprehensive.“Yourbrotherwillbehomeanyminute,”heremindedher.

Yes.Butsheworriedaboutwhatcouldhappeninthemeantime.Sheputherhandonhisbroadchest,

anditencounteredthethickhairwheretheshirtwasopenathisthroat.Shecaughtherbreathandtried
tojerkherhandback.

Hespreaditintotheopening,watchingherfaceashepressedherlong,coldfingersintothethick

hair.Sheshiveredalittleatthefeelofhim,sointimate.Therewaswarm,hardmuscleunderthehair.
Hisheartwasbeatingheavily,likehers.Shereallyshouldprotestandgetup.

Butjustasshethoughtaboutit,histhumbbrushedoverherfulllowerlipandteaseditawayfrom

theupperone.Hefelthershiver.

Itwasobviousthatshehadn’thadaloverwhoknewwhattodowithher.Heshouldn’tbetouching

her,ofcourse.Hewasonlygoingtomakethingsworse.

Whilehewasconsideringthat,hisheadwasbending.Hebrushedhisopenmouthoverhers,

tenderlypartingherlips.Itwaslikethatdayinthepasturewhenhe’dpulledheroffthehorse,
terrifiedthatshewasgoingtokillherself.Hehadn’tbeenabletogethershyresponseoutofhis
mind.Ithauntedhim.

Heremindedhimselfthatinnocencecouldbefaked.Yserahadtaughthimthat.
Hisfingersstrokedupanddownherlongthroat,makingherbreathjerk,whilehismouthgently

exploredhersoftlips.

Hewasdamaged.Sowasshe,insomesortofway.Perhapsthemanshe’dtakenawayfromher

motherhadbeenroughwithher.Hescowled,rememberingthatshe’dsentamantoprisonforbeing
intimatewithher.Itdisturbedhim.

Heliftedhisheadandlookedintoherwide,fascinatedeyes.Hisownnarrowedastheheatbeganto

buildinhim.Ithadbeenalongtime.Toolong.Hewantedher.Hehatedhimselfforit.

Hisbighandsliddownoverherbreastandcuppedit,teasingthenipplewithaforefingeruntilit

wenthard,andherbodystiffened.

Thatwaswhenhelostit.Hismouthcrusheddownoverhersinafeverofhunger.Shetastedlike

honey.Herbodywaswarmandsoftinhisarms.Heturnedher,sothatherbreastswerecrushed
againsthisshirt.Hegroaned,onfiretohaveher.

Shewantedtoprotest.Butthefeelofhismouthonherswasdruggingher.Sheclungtohim,

whimperingsoftlyasshefeltherbodybegintoswell.She’dneverfeltanythinglikethis,never
wantedsomuchtohaveaman’smouthonhers,demandingandinsistent.Shewasn’tevenafraid.That
wasafirst.

Hestoodup,withherinhisarms,andhiseyeswereflashinglikebluelightning.Hecouldn’tthink

pastrelief.Hecouldputherdownonthesofainthenextroom,smoothhisachingbodyontopof
hers.Hecouldjerkthosetightjeansoffandgointoher,hardandfast,makeherscreamwithpleasure.

Exceptthatitwasbroaddaylight,andhecouldseeYsera’sface,mocking,laughing.Hewasa

weakling,shetauntedwhilehediedinherarms,aweaklingwhocouldn’tcontrolhisdesire,who
lookedridiculouswhenhisfacewentrigid,whenhisbodycordedoverhersashedrovefor
satisfaction...

Heshuddered.
Sarasawnightmaresinhispaleeyes.She’dbeenuneasywhenhepickedherup,afraidofwhathe

mightintend.Theywerealone,andshewasn’treallysurewhenGabrielmightcomehome.She’d
nevertriedtobeintimatewithanyone.Therewerereasonswhyshemightnotbeabletoatall,and
onewasveryphysical,areasonshewastooshytospeakof,especiallytoamanlikeWolfPatterson.

Buthernervousnessleftherwhenshelookedupintohiseyes.Helookedtormented.Hesmelledso

good,cleanandmanly,asifhe’dshoweredbeforehecamehere.Hemusthave,becausehepickedup
thedog,andithadbeencoveredinblood.Hisfacewascordedwithanguish.

“It’sallright,”shesaidsoftly.Sheliftedherhandandtraceddownhishardcheek.“It’sallright,”

shewhispered.

Heshivered.Hisfaceclenched.“Damnit!”hebitoff.
Heputherdownonthechairandwalkedoutofthehouse.Sheheardthedoorslam.Butshedidn’t

hearhiscarstartup.

Shedidn’tunderstandherownreactionstohim.Shefeltsuchakinshipwithhim,asiftheyshared

secretsthattheycouldneversharewithotherpeople.Sheknewhewasn’tgoingtoleave.Shewasn’t
surehowsheknewit,butshedid.

Sureenough,aminutelaterhecamebackin.Hishatwasjerkedlowoverhiseyes.Helookedice-

cold.

Hewalkedbackintothekitchenandstoodoverher.
“Idon’tneedpityorcompassionoranythingelsefromyou,”hesaidcoldly.
“Iknowthat,”sherepliedgently.Hereyesweresoftwithcompassion.Sheunderstoodangerand

pain;she’dlivedwithbothforlongenoughtobeintimatewiththem.“Sitdown.Ipouredmore
coffee.”

“YouknewI’dbeback?”hedrawledwithbitingsarcasm.
Shedrewinalongbreath.“Sometimesthemostterriblepartofbeingsodamagedisnotbeingable

totellanybody,”shesaid,hereyesonherowncoffeecup.“EvenGabrieldoesn’tknoweverything.
I...couldn’ttellhim.”

Hefeltakinshipwithherthathadnothingtodowithblood.Hetookoffhishat,tosseditintoa

vacantchairandstraddledtheonenexttohiscoffee.Heheldthecupwithhiselbowsrestingonthe
backofthechair.Hiseyeswerebrilliantwithsubduedpain.

“Howlongdidyouknowher?”sheasked,givinghimanopening,ifhewantedtotalk.
Hesippedcoffee.“Forthreeyears,onandoff,”hesaidquietly.“Shewasgoingwithanotherman

inmyunit.Butshethrewhimoverforme.Iwasflatteredatfirst.Shewas...extraordinarilybeautiful.
Shecouldplaythepiano,speakseverallanguages,evensing.I’dhadwomen.Butshewas
sophisticated.SheknewmorethanIdid.I’dneverbeenwithanyonewhowassouninhibited.”

Ithurthertohearthat.Shewasshocked,butshemanagedtohideit.
“Atfirst,itwasintoxicating,”hesaid,notlookingather.“Iwentinheadfirst.ShewasallIcould

thinkabout.Ifellinlove.Iwassureshefeltthesameway.Shewasalwaysdoingthingsforme,
givingmethings,andinbedshewasanyman’smosteroticdream.”Hedrewinaslowbreath.“I’d
neverdoneitwiththelightson,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.“Ihadinhibitions.Acoupleofthefoster
homesIlivedinweredeeplyreligious.Theyschooledmeinthingsthatamanneverdid.Sensual
pleasurewasasin.Itbelongedinmarriage.SoIthoughtthatway.Yserawasaveryguiltypleasure.”

Shesearchedhisface.Itgrewharderasthememorieswashedhiminmisery.
“Shewantedtowatchmecome,shesaid.”HeglancedatSaraandhadtostiflelaughterather

expression.“Tooblunt,Sara?”heaskedsoftly.

Sheswallowed.Sheflushed,butsheshookherhead.“Youcan’ttalkaboutthistoanybodyelse,can

you?”

“No,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.
“It’sallright,”shesaid.“I’mnot...Idon’tknowalotaboutthat.ButIcanlisten.”
Hewonderedjusthowmuchshedidknow.Sheseemedhonestlyembarrassed,butheavertedhis

eyes.Heneededtotalkaboutit.Inside,thepastfesteredlikeawound.

“SoIturnedonthelights.Shewatchedme.Thenshestartedtolaugh.”Hishandsclenchedaround

thecoffeecup.“ThehotterIgot,themoreinsultingshegot.WhenIlostit,shelaughedlikeademon
andsaidthatIlookedridiculous...”

Shewinced.
Hesawthat.Hesippedcoffee,anditburnedhismouth,buthehardlynoticed.“Ofcourse,she

apologized.Shewasinnocent,shetoldme,andshedidn’trealizehowitmighthavehurtmethatshe
laughed.Shepromisedthatshewouldn’tdoitagain.Butshedid.Overandoveragain.She’darouse
metothepointofmadnessandthenturnonthelightsandmakefunofmewhenIwasthemost

vulnerable.”Hiseyesclosed.HewasoblivioustothesympathyonSara’spaleface.“Ironically,the
moreshehurtme,themoreIwantedher.ShecouldturnmeonfasterthananywomanIeverknew.I
can’ttellyouwhatitfeltlike.”Hedrewinabreathandsippedmorecoffee.Hisfacewasrigidwith
rememberedpain.“Aman’segoishissoftspot.Noneofusliketobevulnerable,evenatthebestof
times.Igrewtohateher.ButIcouldn’tletgo.Icouldn’tstopwantingher.Then...”

Hehesitated.
Hersofthandslidoveroneofhis.
Heputdownthecoffeecup.Hisfingerstangledwithhers.Theunexpectedcomfortmadeiteasier

tospeakofit.

“Wewereinadangerousarea,justoutsideacompoundinawar-tornAfricannation.We’d

gatheredintelonarebelleaderwhowastorturingyoungwomen.Yserasaidsheknewwhohewas.
Shedrewamapandhadoneofherinformantsleadusrighttohisdoor.”Hiseyesclosed.He
shivered.“Shetoldusthathewasheavilyarmedandthatheknewwewerecoming.Shesaidifwe
didn’tgoinhot,we’dbedead.Sowewentin.Hot.”

Hisfingerswerecrushinghers,butshedidn’tsayaword.Shejustwaited.
“Wekilledamanandhiswife...andhisthree-year-oldson.”
Shegasped.
“Itwasvengeance.Hewasahandsomemanandshe’dwantedhim,buthewouldn’thaveanythingto

dowithher.Hesaidhiswifewasworthtenofher.Itmadeherangry.Shegoteven.”

Hisexpressionwasterrible.Shegotupoutofherchairandpulledhisheadtoherbreasts,holding

hischeekthere,rockinghim,kissinghisdarkhair.

“I’msorry,”shewhispered.“I’msorry.I’msosorry!”
Heshuddered.Hisarmswentaroundherandheldher,crushedher.He’dnevertoldasoul.Onlythe

meninhissmallunithadknown.Itwasthegreatestshameofhislife.Itwaswhyhe’dcomebackhere,
lefttheunit,shunnedtheworld.

“Howlongago?”shewhispered.
“Ayear.Almosttwonow.”Hegroaned.“Itwasanhonestmistakeonourpart,andthehousehad

beenusedasasafehouseforinsurgents.Therewerenochargespressed,andthemedianevergot
windofit.Butwehadtolivewithit.Oneofmymencouldn’t.Hekilledhimself.Theotherbecamean
alcoholic.”

Shelaidhercheekagainsthiscool,thickhair.“It’swhyyoucametolivehere.”
“No.Imovedherethreeyearsago.Therewereothermemories,notasterrible,butdisturbing.I

wantedachangeofplace,achangeofscenery.Ithoughtitwouldhelp.”

Shedrewinabreath.“Butthememoriesareportable,”shesaidaloud,remindinghimofwhat

she’dtoldhimearlier.“Youcan’tleavethembehind.Theygowithyou.”

“Iknowthat.Ihave...nightmares.”
“SodoI,”shewhispered.
Hisheadburrowedclosertoherbreasts.Heturnedit,andhismouthfoundonesoftbreast,

exploringitthroughthesoftfabric.

Sheshivered.
“Letme,”hesaidroughlywhenshestiffened.“Oh,God,letme!”
Shefelthimstandup,lifther.Hismouthcoveredhers,andheshiveredashecarriedherintothe

livingroom.Heslidherontothesofaandfollowedherdown,hisheavybodycoveringhers,his
mouthdevouringonhersoftlips.

“Ihaven’ttouchedawomansincethen,”hewhisperedagainsthermouth.“Ihaven’ttrusteda

womansincethen.ButI’mso...damned...hungry!”

Thewordsendedonagroan.Onelongleginserteditselfbetweenbothofhers.Hepushedbetween

them.Shegaspedandpushedathischest,reallyfrightened.

Heliftedhishead.Hismouthwasswollen.Hispaleeyesglittered,narrowed.“Areyoureallythat

innocent?”heaskedthroughhisteeth.“Orareyouteasing,likeshedid?”

Sheswallowed,hard.Shelickedherlipsandtastedhimonthem.“Doyouknow...whatan

imperforatehymenis?”sheasked,flushingevenasshesaidit.

Hestilledonherbody.Hiseyesweretheonlythingsaliveinthesuddenstoneofhisface.“Yes,”he

saidafteraminute.

“I...can’t,”shemanaged.Herlipstrembled.Sheavertedhereyes.“Itwastheonlythingthatsaved

me,whenhetriedto...”Sheswallowed.“Gabrielbrokeadoordowntogettohim.”Tearswelledin
hereyes.

Hedidn’tsaywhathewasthinking,thatherbodywouldhavetemptedasaint,andthatthepoorman

wasprobablyoutofhismind,thewayWolfhadbeenoutofhismindwithYsera.Buthedidn’twantto
hurther.Shehadherownscars.She’dbeenkindtohim.Kinderthanhedeserved.She’dlistened
withoutjudging.She’dgivenhimthefirstcomforthe’deverhad.

Herolledoverontohisbackanddrewherbesidehim,shuddering.Hewasarousedandhurting.
Sheslidherhandontohischest.Hecaughtitroughlyandstilledit.
“Don’tdothat,”hesnapped.
“Wh-what?”
“Oh,God,areyoureallythatnaive?”hegroaned.Withoutthinking,hecarriedherhanddown

belowhisbeltandpresseditthere.

Shejerkedbackasifshe’dtouchedasnake.Hereyes,shockedandwild,sawwhatshe’dtouched.

Shethrewherselfoffthesofaandalmostfellgettingtoherfeet.Shewasremembering.Thatwaswhat
herstepfatherhaddone,thatnight.He’dsaidthings,vulgarthings,abouthisconditionandwhathe
wantedhertodotohim.He’dforcedherdownontothebedandtornherclothesoutofhisway.She
wasscreaming...

“Sara!”
Sheshivered.Hereyeswerewild.Great,hugeblackorbsinafacelikericepaper.Hewasstanding

overher,stunnedatherreaction.

Thatdidn’tlooklikeanact.Sheseemedgenuinelyafraidofintimacy.Hispaleeyesnarrowed.“I’m

notgoingtoforceyou,”hesaidquietly.“Iwouldneverdothat.Iswearit!”

Shewrappedherarmsaroundherchestandloweredhereyestothefloor.“IwishIwoulddie,”she

saidunsteadily.

“Sara!”
Sheturnedandranbackintothekitchen.Shesawacloudofdustinthedistanceandrecognizedthe

blacktruckcomingdowntheroad.“It’sGabriel,”shechokedout,awareofWolf’spresencebehind
her.

Hecaughtherhandgentlyandledhertoachair.“Sitdown.I’llmakeanotherpotofcoffee.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“I’msorry,”shechokedout.
“No.I’msorryforrepayinghonestcompassionwithlust,”hebitoff.“I’mashamedofwhatIdidto

you.”

Shelookedup,surprised.
Hesearchedherpaleface.“Nexttime,”hesaidquietly,“it’syourturntotalk.”
“I...don’tthinkIcan.”

“ItoldyouthingsIneverdreamedIcouldsaytoanotherperson,muchlesstoawoman,”hesaid,

avertinghisfaceashemovedtofillthecoffeepotwithwater.

“I’msorryforwhatshedidtoyou,”shesaidquietly.“Imustleadashelteredlife.Ididn’tknow,I

didn’tdream,thattherewerepeoplelikethatintheworld.”Sheswallowed.“Withthelightson...I
couldnever...!”

Hewonderedwhoshe’ddoneitwithsinceherbadexperience,andhowmanytimes.Hewantedto

know.Itshouldn’thavemattered.Butitdid.Heturnedhisattentiontomakingcoffee.Hereallyhoped
thatGabrielwouldn’tnoticethewaytheybothlooked.

***

G

ABRIEL

WAS

PERCEPTIVE

,buttheybothlookedsomiserablethathedidn’tcomment.Saraexcused

herselfafteraminuteandwentupstairs.

Gabrielgavehisfriendaspeakinglook.
“Itisn’twhatyouthink,”Wolfsaidquietly.“She...listened.”
Theothermanwassurprised.“Youtoldher?”
Henodded.Hesippedcoffee.“I’veneverbeenabletotalkaboutit.She’sagoodlistener.”He

managedafaintsmile.“Ishockedher.”

“She’snotveryworldly,”Gabrielsaidquietly.“Inmanyways,she’sstillachild.”
Wolf’spaleeyesnarrowed.“Shesaidyoubrokedownadoortogettoher.”
Gabriel’sfaceclosedup.
“Whywon’tyoutellme?”heasked.
“Becauseit’sSara’ssecret,notmine,”Gabrielrepliedquietly.“Shewakesupscreaming

sometimes,lateatnight.Idon’tknowifshesleepsmorethanacoupleofhoursatastretch.”

Wolfwaswonderingwhatintheworldamancoulddotoawomantocausethatsortofreaction.

Sarawasn’ttotallyinnocent.Shecertainlyknewwhatpassionwaslike.Untilhe’dmadehertouchhim
intimately,she’dseemedtoenjoywhathedidtoher.

“Sheshouldbeintherapy,”Wolfsaid.
“Pot.”
“Excuseme?”
“Potcallingthekettleblack,”Gabrielexpounded.“Youneeditmorethanshedoes.You’venever

dealtwithwhathappened.”

“Howdoyoudealwithinnocentdeaths?”Wolfaskedthroughhisteeth.
“Thewaywedealwithalldeaths,”camethestoicreply.“Itgoeswiththebusinesswe’rein.People

die.That’swar.”

“Itwasachild!”
Gabrielgraspedtheotherman’swrist,hard.“Intentiseverythinginlaw,”hesaid.“Youwould

neverharmachild.Never!”

Wolf’seyeswereglitterywithfeeling.“ButIdid.”
“Becauseofthatlying,sicktramp,”Gabrielsaidshortly.“Andthatbringsmetosomethingwehave

todiscuss.”

“What?”
“Eb’sgotacontactinBuenosAires.HehadapositiveIDonYsera.”
“Itreallyisher?”
Gabrielnoddedgrimly.“She’suptoheroldtricks.She’sformedanewinsurgentgroup,andthe

411isthatshe’sheadedbacktoAfricawithit.She’sstillahigh-levelintelagentfortheRedScar.”

TheRedScarwasoneofthemorebrutalorganizationsfoundedalongreligiouslinestofoment

rebellioninAfricanprovinceswherepreciousnaturalresourceswereatstake.Theunithaddealtwith
itbefore.Yserahadbeenpartandparcelofit,butnoneofGabrielorWolf’smenhadknownofher
connectionuntilitwastoolate.

“Sowhatnow?”Wolfasked.
“Nowwedoallwecantogetanorganizedgroupwatchingyourback,”Gabrielsaidquietly.“She’s

beeninhidingsinceithappened,withInterpolonhertail.Butnowshefeelssafe,andshe’sputthe
wordoutthatshewantsyoudeadforbetrayingher.She’sgotanewboyfriend.ThisoneisaBrazilian
millionaire.Soshe’sgotthemoneynow,thankstohernewboyfriend,togetthejobdone!”

CHAPTERFIVE

“W

ELL

,”W

OLF

TOLD

Gabrielheavily,“IguessIknewitwouldcomedowntothatoneday.I’vehad

attemptsbefore.”

“Oneseriousone,”Gabrielrecalled.Hisblackeyesnarrowed.“ButYserawasn’tbehindit.Ifshe

tries,wecouldhaverealproblems.IworryaboutSara,”headded.“Someonethoughtshewashere
alonelastyearandmadeanattemptonher,becauseofanenemyImade.Iwashomeatthetime.”

“Luckily,”camethegrimreply.
Gabrielsippedcoffee.“IfYseratargetsyou,shecouldalsohitanybodyyou’rewith.”
“IwouldneverletanyonehurtSara,”hesaidinatonethatdrewtheotherman’seyes.Hegrimaced.

“Iknow.Wecouldhurteachother.Butshe...givesmepeace,”hebitoff,hatingtoadmitit.

“Ararething,inourlineofwork,”theothermanreplied.Hestaredintohiscoffeecup.“Trynotto

hurther.She’shadahellofalife.”

“Iwondersometimesifthereareanypeopleintheworldwhoaregenuinelyfreeofbad

memories.”

“Iseriouslydoubtit.”
Hefinishedhiscoffee.Hispaleeyesmettheotherman’s.“She’samazinglyfragile,”hesaidaftera

minute.“Howoldisshe?”

“Twenty-four.”
“Andshedoesn’tdate.”
Gabrielbitdownonaharshreply.“Therearereasons.”
Wolfhadagoodideawhattheywere.Hewonderedifherstepfatherhadbeentheloveofherlife,if

she’dbeencrushedwhenhewenttojailbecauseofhertestimony.

“Youwon’ttellmewhattheyare,willyou?”Wolfmused.
Gabrielshookhishead.“That’sSara’sbusiness.”
“Allright.”
“Youwatchyourback,”Gabrielsaid,rising.“Yserawasdangerousenoughwhenshelost

everythingandwentintohiding.Butnow,withabankroll,shecouldbecomeyourworstenemy.I
wishtoGodwe’dputherdownwhilewehadthechance.”

“Theauthoritiesletherslipby,”Wolfsaidcoldly.
“Moneychangedhands,”Gabrielreplied.“Itcosthereverythingshehad,butitgotheroutofthe

countryjustajumpaheadofthemilitia.”

“Whatadamnedshame,”wasthereply.
Gabrielnodded.“How’syourgamelifegoing?”heteased.
Heshrugged.“MyfriendthewarlockandIaretheterrorofbattlegroundseverywhere.”He

chuckledthengrimaced.“Thatremindsme,I’vegottophoneRydelandcheckonHellie.”

“Hellie?What’swrong?”
“Iwasonmywaytocheckonmynewbullwhenyoursisterwavedmedown,coveredwithblood.”
“What?”
“SomeoneranoverHellie,”Wolfsaid,calmingtheotherman.“Sarastopped.Shewastryingtolift

Hellieintohercar,togethertoavet.”Hesmiledgently.“Soakedhersweater,probablywouldhave
ruinedtheinsideofthecar,andshedidn’tgiveadamn.”Hiseyeshadafaint,softlightinthem.“Your
sisterisonehellofawoman.”

Gabrielsmiledsadly.“Yes.Shelovesanimals.Wehadadog,whenwelivedwithmymotherand

hersecondhusband.”Hisfacehardenedwiththememory.

“Whathappened?”
“HegotmadatSaraandkilledthedog,”hesaidshortly.“Heleftitlyingonthefrontporch,so

she’dseeittheminuteshegothome.”

“DearGod,”Wolfgroaned.
“Shenevergotoverit,”hecontinued.“Shewon’thaveadogoracatthesedays.Shelovesthe

horses,butshedoesn’twantananimalinsidethatshemightgettooattachedto.”

“AndIthoughtIhadahardlife.”
“DidyoutellSarathefullnameofyourdog?”
Wolflaughedoutloud.“No.Shethinkslittleenoughofmeasitis.Idon’twantanysmart

commentsaboutagrownmanplayingkids’gamesonthePC.”

Gabriellaughed,too,andtriednottosoundrelieved.
“Alotofgrownmenplaythem,includingsomeofourcolleagues.”
“Yes.”Thesmilefaded.“Sometimesithelpstogetawayfromtherealworldandintoonewhere

paindoesn’taccompanyeverysingledamnedminute.”

Gabrielstudiedtheolderman’sdrawnface.“TrynottohurtSaratoomuch,”hesaidgruffly.
Wolf’sfacewasopenforafewseconds,vulnerable.“She’sthesortofwomanwhomakesyou

feel...safe,”hesaid,searchingforthewords.“Likeyou’restandingoutinthesnow,andshe’sawarm,
cozyfireinasmallroom.”

Gabrielfelttheshockdowntohisfeet.DidWolfevenrealizewhathewasadmitting?
Apparentlynot,becausehelaughedshortly.“Idon’ttrustwomen,”hesaid.“She’dhavetogetclose

tometobethreatened,andthatwon’thappen.She’llbesafewithme.I’llwatchoutforherwhenyou
aren’taround.”

Gabrielhesitated,butonlyforaminute.“Thanks.”
“Noproblem.Trynottogetyourselfkilled.”
“IhaveabigcapeandashirtwithaletterSonit,”Gabrielbeganwryly.
Wolfjustlaughed.

***

I

T

WAS

A

stupididea.WolfknewthatbeforeheparkedhiscarattheendofthepasturewhereSarawas

gallopingononeofthenewmaresGabrielhadpurchased.He’ddonenothingbutrememberthefeel
ofhersoftlipsunderhismouthforseveraldays,andhewasaching.Itwassuicidetogetinvolved
withher.Buthecouldn’thelphimself.

Hemovedtothefenceandputabigfootonthelowerrung,justwatchingher.Shewasbeautifulon

ahorse,elegantandpoisedandgraceful.

Shesawhimandjumpedgracefullydownfromthehorseandupontothehighwoodenfence.He

wasproppedontheothersideofit.

“Youlookprettyonahorse,”hesaid,smiling.
Shesmiledback.“Areyouallright?”sheasked.
Heshrugged.“Alittlebetterthanbefore,maybe.”Hesearchedhereyes.“Howaboutdinnerin

Houstonandtheoperaafter?They’reperformingBizet’sCarmen.”

Herheartjumped,butshehesitated.ShewasrememberingwhatGabrielhadsaid.
“Yes,wecanhurteachother,”hesaid,asifhe’dreadthethoughtsinhermind.“Itdoesn’tseemto

matter.Iwanttotakeyouout.”

“I...wouldliketogo,”sheconfessed.
Hesmiledgently.“Aboutsix,Friday?We’llhavesupperbeforewego.I’llpickyouup,where?

Here?”

“Gabriel’sleavingtonight.I’llbeattheapartmentinSanAntoniountilhegetsback.”
“Nicetiming,”hemused.“Didyouofferhimaquartertogoaway?”
Shelaughed.Herblackeyeslituplikecandles,andherbeautifulfaceradiatedjoy.“Notreally.”
Hechuckled.“Okay.Wearsomethingpretty.Butnottoosexy,”headdedwitharaisedeyebrow.“I

don’tfancyatriptotheemergencyroomifthingsgetoutofhand.”

Shecolored,butthenshelaughed,too.
Heshookhishead.“Neverthoughtaboutminorsurgery?”
“Therewasn’tanyreasonto,”shesaidafteraminute.“Ineverwantedto...withanybody.”
Hispaleeyesglittered.“Icouldmakeyouwantto.Withme.”
Shebitherlowerlip.
“Iwon’t,”hesaidgently,andtracedpatternsonthebackofherhand.“Ican’treallyaffordtolose

myonlyconfidant.”

Shemanagedasmile.“Thatworksbothways.”
Hesearchedherblackeyes.“Weknowtoomuchabouteachother,don’twe?”
Shenodded.
“Brokenpeople.”
Shesmiled.Shewantedtomentionthatsomeoneelsehadsaidthattoher,butshedidn’twantto

havetoanswerquestionsaboutheronlyrealpleasureinlife.“Yes,”shesaid.“Brokenpeople.”She
pursedherfull,softlips.“Maybewecoulduseducttape.”

Hethoughtaboutthatforaminuteandsuddenlyeruptedintogenuinelaughter.
“Yes,onlytwothingsinlifeyouneed,ducttapeandWD-40.”Shegrinned.“Ifitdoesn’tmoveand

itshould,usetheWD-40.Ifitmovesanditshouldn’t,usetheducttape!”

“You’rethesortofwomanwhowouldsuggestusingSaranWrapforbirthcontrol,”hemuttered.
Shedidlaugh,then,eventhoughshecoloredalittlewithembarrassment.“How’sHellie?”she

asked.

“Gettingbetterbytheday.She’sclompingaroundthehouseonhercastprettyhandily.I’lltakeyou

bytoseeheronthewayhomefromtheopera,ifyoulike.”

Dangerous.ItwouldbeverylatewhentheycamebackfromHouston.Butshecouldn’tresistthe

danger.“Idolike.”

HewasrememberingwhatGabrielhadtoldhim,thattheirstepfatherhadkilledSara’sdog.He

smiledsadly.“Youloveanimals,don’tyou?”

“Yes,”sherepliedwithsoftblackeyes.
Heglancedatthemarenudgingherbackimpatiently.“Inoticed.”Heletgoofthefence.“Fridayat

six.”

“I’llseeyouthen.”
Hethrewupahandanddroveaway.Sarawatchedhimgowithfaintmisgivings.Shehadn’treally

toldhimasmuchashe’dtoldher.Shehopedshewasn’tgoingtoregretit.

***

S

HE

WENT

THROUGH

everythinginhercloset,andtherewereplentyofdresses,lookingforjustthe

rightthingtowear.Shesettledonasleekblackcocktaildresswithspaghettistrapsthatfelltojust

belowherkneesandflaredout.Thebodicewassquare,nottoolow,butnotprudish,either.Sheleft
herhairlongandaccentedthedresswithherpearlsandmatchingstuds.Shelookedbeautiful,butshe
didn’tnoticethat.Shedidn’tlikelookinginmirrors.

Wolfwaswearingadinnerjacketwithexpensiveslacksandasilkshirtandblacktie.Helooked

elegantandsohandsomethatSaracaughtherbreath.WithouthisusualStetson,hishairwasthickand
softandblackasaraven’shead.

“Noticingthegrayhairs,areyou?”hemused.
“Grayhairs?”
Hereachedoutandtracedhercheek.Hisfacewassomber.“I’mthirty-sevenyearsold,Sara.”
“Youdon’tlookit.”
Hedrewinabreath.“There’salotofmileageonme,”hemurmured.“IfIwereacar,I’dbeina

junkyard.”

“You’dbeinashowroom,asaclassiccollector ’sedition,”sherepliedwithtwinklingblackeyes.
Hechuckled.Hiseyeswereslowandappreciativeonherface.“It’sashameIdon’tlikebrunettes,”

heteased.“You’rereallyquitebeautiful.”

Sheflushed.“That’sonlywhat’soutside.”
Hefrownedslightly.“Youdon’tlikethewayyoulook,doyou?”
Sheclutchedherpurse.“Ihatehavingmenstareatme,”shesaidalittleunevenly.
“Why?”
Shemovedrestlessly.“Weshouldgo,yes?”
“Yes.”
Shecameoutoftheapartmentandlockedthedoor.
“IhopeyoulikeFrenchcuisine,”hesaidwithagrin.“Ifoundalovelylittlebistrojustdownthe

street.”

Herbreathcaught.“It’smyfavoriteplacetoeat.”
Hechuckled.“It’soneofmine,too.”

***

T

HEY

HAD

LAMB

andherbedpotatoes,withanexquisitecrèmebrûléefordessert.Sarasavoredevery

bite.Butithadtakenlongerthantheyexpectedtogetseated.Theballetwasateight,andtherewasstill
thedrivetoHouston.ButWolfdidn’tseemtobeconcernedwiththetimeatall.

“Howcanyoueatlikethatandnevergainanounce?”Hechuckled.
“Irunitalloff,”shereplied,smiling.“Nervousenergy,Isuppose.”
Hereachedacrossthesmalltableandtracedpatternsonthebackofhersmallhand.“I’mthesame,”

hetoldher.“Ican’tsitstill.”

Shestudiedhisfacequietly.“Youseemdifferent.Lesshaunted.”
Hesmoothedhisfingersinbetweenhers.“I’dnevertalkedaboutit.Nottoanyone.”Hesearched

herblackeyes.“Theysentmetoapsychologist,too.”Hemadeaface.“Hisideawastodrugme
senselessandhavemetellhimallaboutmychildhood.”

Shedrewinabreath.“Minesaidthatthewholethingwasmyfault.”
Hedidn’treply.Hewonderedthathimself.Ayoungwoman,beautiful,feelingherpower,might

havegrudgesagainsthermotherandtakethemoutonherbytryingtostealherboyfriend.“Idon’t
likebeingpsychoanalyzedanyway,”hesaid.

Shenodded.Sheglancedupathimandaway.“Inevertoldanyoneabout,well,youknow,”shesaid,

flushing.“It’ssointimateathing.Icouldneverspeakofittomybrother.Idon’thaveclosefriends.”
Sherecalledherfriendtheballerina,butthatwasn’tacloserelationship.Lisettewasmorean
acquaintancethanarealfriend.Infact,she’dnevertoldMichelleaboutherphysicalissue,and
Michellewaslikehersister.

“Idon’thaveclosefriends,either,exceptmaybeyourbrother.AndIcouldnevertellanotherman

whatshedidtome.”

“Itmusthavekilledyourpride,”shesaidsadly.
Heclosedhisfingersaroundhers.“Iwasn’tfeedingyoualine,youknow,”hesaid,hisvoicelow

andsoftashesearchedhereyes.“Ihaven’thadawomansinceYsera.Icouldnevertrustanyone
again.”

“AndIcan’t...haveanyone,”shereplied.Theskinonherhighcheekbonescolored.“Notinmy

presentcondition.”

Hisfingerssmoothedoverhersseductively.“Youdoknowthattherearewaystopleasureawoman

withoutpenetration?”heaskedoutrageously.

Herhandjerkedandalmostupsetherwineglass.Shecaughtitjustintime.“Youbeast!”shegasped,

flushing.

Hechuckledsoftly.“Andoutcomesthebroom,”heteased,butnotinamaliciousway.Hiseyesfell

tothebodiceofherdress,tothehardtipspokingagainstthesoftfabric.“ItexcitesyouwhenIsay
intimatethingstoyou.Ilikethat.”

Shesippedwine,puttheglassdownandfoldedherarmsacrossherchest,glancingwarilyaround

tomakesurehehadn’tbeenoverheard.

“We’realoneintheworld,Sara,”hesaidsoftly.“Don’tyouknow?”
Shebitherlowerlip.“Listen,Ican’t...”
Hispaleeyesglitteredashisfingersslidintimatelybetweenherown.“Youcan.You’regoingto.

Withme,”hewhisperedinahuskyundertone.“Onlywithme.”

Shefelthelpless.Itwasn’treallyabadfeeling.Herwholebodytingledasshelookedathim,

feelingthesuddenhardclaspofhishandaroundhers.Thelookonherfacemadehimwanttostand
upandhowl.Hewonderedifsherealizedwhatshewasgivingawaywiththathungry,softdesirehe
couldreadinhereyes.

“We’dbettergo,”hesaidstiffly,becausehewasfightingdownthemostpowerfularousalhe’dfelt

inyears.TherewasstillthedrivetoHoustonandtheoperatogetthrough.Butafter,hepromised
himselfashehelpedheroutofherchair,hewasgoingtofindouteverythingabouther.Hewasgoing
toknowher,physically,asintimatelyashecould.Perhapsshewastellingthetruthabouther
innocence.Butonewayoranother,hewasgoingtofindout.

***

S

ARA

,

BLISSFULLY

UNAWARE

ofwhathewasplotting,smiledupathimwithherheartinhereyesashe

paidthetabandledherbythehandoutoftherestaurantandtotheparkinglot.

ItwasacoolnightforMay,andalreadydark.Theyweregoingtobeverylatefortheballet.She

hadonasoftcashmerecoatthatclungtohersilkycurves.HepausedtounlocktheMercedes,but
insteadofputtingherinsideit,hedrewherrightupagainsthispowerfulbody,soclosethatshecould
feelhissudden,instantarousal.

Shecaughtherbreathandtriedtopullback,buthewouldn’tlether.Hewasn’tbrutal,buthewas

firm.

Hestareddownintohershockedeyes.“DoyoufeelhowhardIam?”hewhispered.“AndI’ve

barelytouchedyou.”Onebigleanhandheldheragainsthishipswhiletheothersmoothedboldly
rightupherbodyandoverhersoft,hard-tippedbreast.“Iwanttopullyourdressdownandputmy
mouthoveryournippleandsuckleyou,hard.”

Sheshivered.Hernailsbitintotheexpensivefabricofhisjacketandsheactuallygaspedoutloud.
“Yes,youwantit,don’tyou?”hewhisperedatherlips.“Icanstripyouandputyouinabedunder

mynakedbodyandhaveyou,evenwithoutpenetratingyou.”Heshudderedatthethought.“You’lllet
me,won’tyou?”hebreathed.“Breasttobreast,thightothigh,inthedarkness,movingagainsteach
otherliketherapidsinariver,drivingforsatisfaction,pleasuringeachotheralmosttomadness...”

Shemadeasoundthatgroundintohimlikefire.Hepushedherbackagainstthecardoorand

movedonepowerfullonglegbetweenhers,liftingherashebenttohermouthandkissedherwith
starkhunger.

Hismouthinsisted,demanded.Itpartedherlips,pushedthemapart,whilehistonguesuddenlyshot

rightintoit.Therhythmicmotionofhishipscausedhertocryout.

Thetiny,helplesscrybroughthimtohissenses.Withagroan,hesteppedback,histallbody

shudderingasherealizedhowclosehe’dcometohavingher,rightthereinpublicview.Shelooked
everybitasshakenashefelt.

Tearsstunghereyes.Shehadn’trealizedhowvulnerableshewas,howseductivehecouldbe.Itwas

amistake.Shewasgoingtogetinoverherhead,andshewasn’tready.Thiswasamanwhowasn’t
ready,either,foralong-termrelationship.Hewasadamagedmanwhowasstillbristlingwith
revengeforwhataheartlesswomanhaddonetohisego.Shecouldn’ttrusthim,didn’tdaretrusthim.
Butshewantedhim!

Hereyeslookedupintohis,andhefelthiswholebodygorigid.Shewouldlethim.Heknewit

withoutawordbeingspoken.

Heputherintothecarandgotinbesideher.“Fastenyourseatbelt,”hewhisperedhuskily.
Sheswallowed.Shecouldstilltastehimonhermouth.“What...istheballetwe’regoingtoseein

Houston?”shemanaged.

“Theballetstartsinfiveminutes,andit’sinHouston.We’dnevermakeitbeforeitwashalfover.

We’regoinghome,”hereturnedroughly.

“Oh.”
Hecaughtherhandinhisandheldittight.Shecouldfeelthetensioninhimlikealivingthing.She

knewwhathemeant.Hewasn’ttakinghertoherapartment.Hewastakingherhomewithhim.Andit
wasn’tgoingtoendwell,butshecouldn’tfindasingleexcusenottoagree.

Forthefirsttime,shewantedamaninwaysthatshehadneverthoughtpossible.Shethrewcaution

tothewind.

***

H

E

PULLED

UP

infrontofhishouseandcutofftheengine.Heopenedherdoorandletherwalkahead

ofhimontotheporch.Heputthekeyinthelock,turnedit,walkedinwithherandlockedthedoor
behindthem.Heturnedofftheporchlight.

Shefelttheexcitementlikealivingthing.Shelookedupathim.Hisfacewaslikestone.Hispale

blueeyesweretheonlythingsaliveinthatinscrutablecanvas.

Hetookherhandandledherintothelivingroom,whereasinglelampwasburning.Looking

straightintohereyes,hetookoffhisdinnerjacketandhistie,slippedoutofhisbeltanddressshoes

andunbuttonedhisshirtallthewaytohistrousers.

Hetookthepursefromhernervelesshands,tossingitintoachair.Shestoodhelplesslyinfrontof

himwhileheunhookedthedressandsliditdownherarms,leavingherinalow-cutblackslipanda
lacybra.

Hisbighandslidunderthehooksofthebra,andthenthestrapsthatwereholdingthemup.

Watchingherface,hepushedthefabricawayfromherhigh,tip-tiltedbreastsandletitfalltothe
floor.Hiseyes,wiseandsoft,ateherlikecandy.

“Ithoughtyou’dbepinkhere,”hewhispered,tracingherhardnipples.“Butyoulooklikemilk

chocolateinstead.”Hesmiledtenderlyandbenthishead.“IthoughtI’dgomadbeforewegothere.
God,Sara,I’msohungry...”

Hismouthopenedonherbreast,takingthenippleinside,workingitwithhistongue.
She’dneverfeltthesensationshewasteachingher.Shearchedherbacktogivehimbetteraccess,

herbodyshiveringwithnewpleasures.

Heliftedherandputherdownonthesofa,smoothinghisbodyoverhers,whilehefedonhersoft,

warmbreasts.

“IthinkIdreamedyou,”hebitoff.Hisfreehandwentunderherbriefsandtouchedher.Hefelther

jerk,feltherhandgotohiswrist.Heliftedhisheadandlookedintoherwide,shockedeyes.

“Yousaiditwasimperforate,”hewhispered.“Let’ssee.”
Shecoloredfiercely.Hispaleeyesnarrowedasheprobed,feltthebarrier,testedit.“Idon’texpect

thetruthfromawoman,”hesaidgruffly.“Butthis—”hepushedatthebarriergently“—isnolie.”

“Ple...please?”shewhispered,pushingathim.“Don’t...”
“Don’t?”Hisfacegrewmocking.Hissmilewasfullofsarcasm.“Youteaseandtemptmeallnight,

andnowyouwanttostop?”

“I’mnot...her,”shetriedtoremindhim.
Buthewasblindwithdesire,relivinghisnightswithYsera,hearingherlaughathim,ridiculehim.

Sarawaslikeher,beautifulandeager,untilhebegantobeintimatewithher.Thenshegrewcold,just
likeYsera.Thenwouldcomethelaughter...

Hishandwasinsistent.Hewatchedtheshockedpleasurethatbloomedonherfaceashetouchedher

blatantly.“Yes,youlikethat,don’tyou?”heasked,anddiditagain.Helaughedasshearchedup,
trembling,hermouthopen,hereyeswideassaucersasherbodyrespondedtohim.

“Please,”shewhimpered.
“Socomposed,soremovedfrompassion,”hesaid,hurtingasherememberedhowYserahad

baitedhim,teasedhim.“Coolandelegant,temptingmenuntiltheyburnliketorchesandthen
laughingwhentheygoupinflames.Butyou’renotlaughingnow,areyou?”hetaunted,hiseyeson
herfacewhilehebroughthertoecstasy.“Yes,that’sright,”hewhispered,hisfaceflushingashe
watchedhergorightovertheedge.“Comeforme,honey,”hebreathed.“Comeforme.Yes.
Just...like...that!”

Shearchedup,cryingoutendlessly,asshefeltthefirstclimaxshe’deverknown.Andhewas

watchingher,laughing,taunting.

“Nowwho’shelpless?”hegrowled,hishandmovingagain,draggingsoundsoutofherthroatthat

she’dneverhearditmake.

Hestrippedher,whisperedwhathewasgoingtodo,andhowitwasgoingtofeel,laughingather

helplessresponse.Hewasyearsinthepast,gettingeven,hatingherforwhatYserahaddonetohim.

Shecriedout,arching,herbodyshudderingoverandoveragainasheforcedhertoclimax.
Hewasdyingtohaveher.Hecouldn’tcontainit.Hethrewoffhisclothesandwentdownonher,his

mouthgrindingintohersbeforehemovedbetweenherlong,tremblinglegs.Hedidn’tdaretryto
penetrateher,buthecouldfindhisownsatisfactionwithoutthat.Hewhisperedurgently,gatheredher
legstogetherandwentbetweenthem,highonhersilkenthighs,andpusheddownagainandagain,his
bodycorded,hismindburningwithneed.Heburiedhishotfaceinherthroat,andhishipsdrove
againsthersinthecoolroom.Thelightswereon,butshecouldn’tseehim;hewouldn’tlethersee
him.

Hedroveblindlyforrelief,herlegsheldintheviseofhisownashefound,finally,theright

pressure,therightrhythm,todragthosehigh-pitchedlittlecriesoutofherthroat.Hefelthershudder
evenasheliftedandpusheddownonelasttime,withthelastbitofhisstrength,andheshotoffthe
edgeoftheworldintosuchheatedpleasurethathealmostlostconsciousness.

Shewascrying.Hewasvaguelyawareoftearsonhischeekwhereitwaspressedsohardintoher

throat.Hisbigbodyshudderedintheaftermathofthemostexplosiveclimaxhe’deverfeltinhislife.
Itwasmorethanthat.Itwasorgasm.He’dneverexperiencedit.

Afteraminute,heliftedhisheadandlookeddownather.Herfacewasalmostwhite.
“Let...me...go,”shewhisperedbrokenly.“Oh,please...!”
Hisfaceclenched.“Sara...”
Shemovedsuddenly,strugglingawayfromhim,grabbingherunderthings.Sheranfortheback

door.

Hewasstillshakingwithsatedpassion.Hegotupandputonhisslacksbeforehewentafterher,

barefooted.

Shemadeitintothestable,sohystericalthatshedidn’tevenstoptowonderifsomeonemightbein

there.Shedidn’tcare.Shewassick.Shedraggedonherunderthingsandcoweredagainstthecorner
wall,drawingherkneesup.Sheheardhisvoice,tauntingher,laughingather,gettingeven...

Itwasherownfault.She’dtemptedhim,andsheknewhewasn’tready.Hewaslivinginthepast.

Nowhereshewas,shiveringlikeawhippedchild,hidingintheshadows,soashamedthatshe
couldn’tevenopenhereyes.Herstepfatherhadsaidvulgarthingstoher,madeherlookathim,
laughedashetriedtoforceher.

Afterward,hermotherhadcalledhernamesandsaidshebeggedforit.Thedefenseattorneyhad

describedherasateenagedseductressmakingplaythingsofmen.Thetabloidshadmadeherouttobe
ahomewrecker.Thentheshooting,herstepfather ’sfaceasthebulletshithim,hermother ’sharsh
cursesafterward,thehorroroftryingtogotoschool,tolivewiththeshameanddisgrace...!

“Sara!”
Shecriedoutashestoppedinfrontofher.He’dturnedonthelights,andshehadn’tevennoticed.

Herfacewasastudyinterror.Hemovedastepcloser,andsheheldbothhandsout,palmstoward
him,trembling.

“No,please,please,don’t...!”shesobbed.
He’dbeenapolicemanonce,yearsinthepast.Herecognizedthefearandtheposture.Heclosed

hiseyesandshuddered.DearGod,whyhadn’therealized...!

“Sara,”hesaidsoftly,kneelingafewfeetawayfromher,“howoldwereyouwhenithappened?

Whenyourstepfathertriedtoforceyou?”

Hervoicecaughtinherthroat.“Thir...teen,”shesobbed.“Iwas...thirteen.”
Hiseyesclosed.Hishandclenchedintoafistathisside.He’dassumedthatshe’dbeenarivalfor

theaffectionofhermother ’sboyfriend.He’dgottenthewrongendofthestick.Godonlyknewhow
muchdamagehe’ddonetonight.He’dpaidherbackforwhatYserahaddonetohim.Herewasthe
result.

“Honey,it’sfreezingouthere,”hesaidinachokedtone.“Comeonbackintothehouse...”
“No.”Hergreatblackeyesweretragic.“No!”
Hewinced.Hepulledouthiscellphoneandpunchedinanumber.Hishandswereshaking.Hehad

toputthenumbersintwicebeforethephonerangontheotherend.Hisfacewaslikestone.“Madra,
canyoucomedowntotheranch?I’vedonesomething...There’sayoungwoman.Please.Idon’t
knowhowmuchdamageI’vedone,”hegroundout.“Yes.Yes,I’llsendacar.Hurry.Thanks.”

Hehungupandcalledalimousinecompany,gavethemanaddressandanorder.Hehungup.
“Madraiscomingdowntotakecareofyou,”hesaid.“She’saphysician.Sara,willyouletmetake

youinside?”

Shedidn’tevenhearhim.Shewaswrappedupinthepast,intheterror,allalone.

CHAPTERSIX

W

OLF

HAD

TAKEN

ablanketfromthetackroomanddroppeditaroundSara’sbareshoulders,careful

nottotouchher.Shewasstillshaking.Hecouldn’tevengethertoanswerhim.He’dneverfeltso
miserable,socruel,inallhislife.Hehatedwhathe’ddone.Hedidn’tknowhowhewasevergoingto
makeupforit.

Sarawasawareofmovement,ofacardrivingup.Wolfwentaway.Aminutelaterhewasbackwith

abeautifulblondewoman.

ShelookedyounguntilSarasawherfaceupclose.ShehadtobeWolf’sage,orthereabouts.She

spoketoSara,verygently,andgotoutherstethoscope.

Therewasacursoryexaminationandthentheprickofaneedleinherarm.Shewasshivering.The

blanketfeltnice.Afteraminute,shebegantorelax.

“Youneedtobringherinsidenow,”Madrasaidgently.
“Honey,I’mgoingtopickyouup,”Wolfsaidsoftly,acatchinhisdeepvoiceashemovedcloser.

“Iwon’thurtyou.Iswear.”

Shestiffened,butshedidn’tsayanything.Sheclosedhereyesandshudderedashecarriedherinto

thehouseandintotheguestroomdownstairs.Heputheronthecoverlet.

“Leavemealonewithher,”Madrasaidgently.
“Ofcourse.”
Hewentout,straightintohisden,closedthedoor,openedawhiskeydecanterandpouredhimselfa

glass.

***

“T

HAT

WON

’

T

HELP

,”Madrasaidfromthedoorwayafewminuteslater.

Hefinishedthelastbitofamberliquidfromtheglass.Duringherabsence,he’dremovedSara’s

dressandshoesfromthelivingroom.Hecouldputthemintheguestbedroomlater,whenhehadthe
opportunity.Hedidn’twanttoembarrassSaraevenmorebyhavingthemonopendisplayinthe
livingroom.

He’dputhisownthingsbackon,minusthedinnerjacket.Itwasembarrassingtohavetocataloghis

sinsforthisoldfriend,butSarahadneededhelp.Nowaywashelettingherleaveherealone.Not
afterhe’dseenthelookonherface.

Heturned,paleandsomber.“Didshetalktoyou?”
Sheshookherhead.“She’ssleeping.Allshecouldsaywasplease,don’t.”Shestaredathim.
Heturnedawayfromtheaccusationinherdarkeyes.“Ihadn’tbeenwithawomaninalongtime.I

just...lostit.Ididn’tforceher,”headdedthroughhisteeth.“Thatwouldn’tevenbepossible.She’s...a
virgin,”hesaidinatorturedtone.“Toomuchavirgin.Itwouldrequireminorsurgery.”Hedrewina
long,harshbreath.“Allthesame,Iscaredhertodeath.”

Shedrewinabreathandsatdownontheleathersofabesidethedesk.“Wanttotellmeaboutit?”
Helaughedcoldly.“No.ButI’llhaveto.Shewasassaulted,almostraped,byherstepfather.Allthis

time,Ithoughtshe’dtriedtotakehimawayfromhermother,thatitwasarivalry,hegothot,andshe
gotscared.”Heranahandoverhislean,hardface.“Shewasthirteen,Madra.”Hiseyesclosed,andhe
shuddered.“Thirteenyearsold.”

“DearGod,whatmonstersmencanbe,”shereplied.

“Yes.”Heperchedhimselfontheedgeofthedeskandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Icouldtalk

toher,”heconfessed.“AboutYsera.Shelistened.Shewasn’tjudgmental.Ithoughtthecoyactwas
justthat,anact.Somewomenthinkit’sawaytogetaman’sattention,pretendinginnocence.Ididn’t
reallyevenbelieveheraboutthe...physicalissue.”Hestaredatthefloor.“Iwasafool.I’vedamaged
her,whenshewasalreadydamagedenough.Herbrothersaidwecouldhurteachotherbadly,because
neitherofushadfacedthepast.Hewasright.Oh,God,IwishI’dlistened!”

Sheshookherhead.“Sheshouldhavehadtherapy.Soshouldyou,”sheadded,“asI’vebeensaying

foryears.”

“Ican’ttalktoatotalstrangeraboutYsera,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.“Andshe—”henodded

towardthehall“—couldn’teventalktoherownbrotheraboutherstepfather.Hewenttoprisonon
hertestimony.Iknewthat,andIdidn’ttrusther.Ididn’trealizehowyoungshewaswhenit
happened...”Heclosedhiseyes.“God,Madra,whatamIgoingtodo?Ican’tlethergohomealone.
Herbrother ’soverseas.Shehasnofamily.Butmakingherstayhere...she’llhatemeevenmore.”

“Bringanotherwomanheretostaywithher,untilshe’sabletogohome,”Madrasuggested.
Heglancedather.Afteraminute,henodded.“I’llcallBarbaraFerguson.Sherunsacaféintown.

Hersonisapolicelieutenant.She’ddoitforme.”Hegrimaced.“Everyonewillfindout.Thatwill
hurthermore...”

“IknowBarbara,”shesaid.“Sheisn’tagossip.Shewon’ttellanyonetherealreason.Butyouhave

togetagriponyourself,Wofford,”sheaddedgently.“Thisisnowaytolive.”

Heliftedhisheadandranahandthroughhisthickhair.“Herbrotherwillmopthefloorwithme,”

hemused.Helaughedcoldly.“I’lllethim.Itmighthelpusboth.”

“Therapyiswhatwillhelp.”
Hehesitated,butonlyforamoment.“IknowafemalepsychologistinD.C.,atherapist,”hesaid

afteraminute.“ShewasColbyLane’stherapist.Shekeepssnakes,”headdedonalaugh.“MaybeSara
wouldtalktoher,ifIagreedtotalktoher,aswell.Ifshedoesn’tloadoneofmygunsandshootme
withitinthemeantime.”

“Takeitonedayatatime,”Madrasaidgently.
Hegotupandhuggedherwarmly.“Thankyouforcomingdownhere.”
“MarkwouldneverforgivemeifIhadn’t,”shesaidwithasmile.“Thethreeofushavebeen

friendssincegrammarschool.”

“HecutmeoutorI’dhavemarriedyoufirst,”heteased.
Shejustlaughed.They’dbeenlikebrotherandsisterallthoseyears.“Sureyouwould.”She

glancedtowardthewhiskeybottle.“Thatisaverybadidea,”sheremindedhim.

Heshrugged.“Apistolisaworseone.”
Shegrimaced.“Weallmakemistakes.”
“Thisoneistheworstofmylife,andI’mnottheonepayingforit,”hesaidsadly.“Willyoustay

untilIcallBarbaraandseeifshe’llcome?”

“Ofcourse,”shereplied.
“I’llmakecoffee,”hesaid,andsmiled.

***

B

ARBARA

CAME

WITH

anovernightbag.ShewincedwhenshesawWolf’sface.Thebigmanwiththe

Arctic-blueeyeshadspentalotoftimeatherplaceofbusiness.She’dgrownfondofhim.He’dbeen
reticentonthephone,butwhenshearrivedandgotalookathim,shebegantounderstandwhathad

probablyhappened.Sarawassoinnocent,sounworldly.Andshe’dheardthingsaboutWolffromher
son,SanAntoniopolicelieutenantRickMarquez,whowasfriendswithRourke,amercenarywho
spenttimeinJacobsvilleoncovertops.RourkeknewWolf.

“I’vedonesomethingunforgiveable,”hetoldBarbaraquietly.“Thankyouforcoming.Ican’tlet

hergohome.She’dbealone,andI’ve...rekindledsometerriblememoriesforher.”

Barbaranodded.“It’sokay.IhavepeoplewhocantakecareofthecaféwhileI’mhere,”shesaid

softly.

“Okay.”
“Ihavetogohome.Thankyouforsendingthecar,”MadratoldWolf.“Youcallthatpsychologist.

I’mgoingtohoundyouuntilyoudo.”

Henodded.Hehuggedher.“TellMarkIappreciatehimlettingyoucome.”
“Youknowhe’ddoanythingforyou,”shesaid.“Besides,you’regodfathertooursons.How

woulditlookifI’drefused?”

“She’llbeallright?”headdedworriedly.
“She’straumatized,”Madrasaid.“Butit’smental,notphysical.Youhaven’thurther.”
“That’swhatyouthink,”hesaidmiserably.
Shepattedhisshoulder.“Getsomesleep.Inthemorning,youcanapologize.”
“Inthemorning,she’llbelookingforthekeytotheguncabinet,”hesaidheavily.
MadrasaidgoodbyetoBarbaraandwenttothelimowaitingtotakeherhome.

***

B

ARBARA

WENT

INTO

theguestbedroomandlookedatthepale,quietyoungwomanasleepunderthe

coversofthebigbed.Heglancedatthechairwherehe’ddrapedherdressandshoeswhileBarbara
checkedonSara.

“She’llneverforgiveme,”Wolfsaidthroughhisteeth.“AndGabe’sgoingtobeattheever-loving

helloutofmewhenhefindsout.”

“Howwillhefindout?”sheasked.
“BecauseI’mgoingtotellhim,”hesaidshortly.“IdeserveeverydamnedthingIget.”Hisface

drewupinapainedexpression.“Shelistenedtome.Ipouredoutmyheart,andshelistened.ThenI
repaidherwith...this.”Heturnedaway.

“Madra’sright.Youcanapologizetomorrow.Saraisn’tvindictive,”sheaddedgently.“Giveit

time.”

Heshookhishead.“Itwon’thelp.”
“Trytogetsomesleep.I’llturnin,too.”
“Thanksforcoming,”hesaid.
Shesmiled.“IlikeSara.”

***

T

HE

NEXT

MORNING

,Sarawokewithafainthangoverandmemoriesofthenightbefore.Shewasstill

inherslip,andshealmostgaspedwhenshesawaheadonthepillowbesideher.

ButitwasBarbara,whorolledoverandgaveherasleepysmile.
“Goodmorning,”theolderwomansaidsoftly.“Howdoyoufeel?”
“Terrible.”Saracolored.Shelookedaround.“Idon’tremember...”
“MadraCollinscamedowntoexamineyou,”Barbarasaid.“Shegaveyouaninjectionandputyou

tobed.Wolfaskedmetocomeandstaywhileyouwerehere.Hesaidhecouldn’tletyougohome
alone,intheconditionyouwerein.”Shehesitated.“He’sinprettybadshape.Hesaysyourbrother ’s
goingtobeatthehelloutofhim,andhe’sgoingtolethimdoit.”

Saraloweredhereyes.Hermemoriesofthenightbeforewerevividandembarrassing.Shewas

ashamedthatshe’dletthingsgosofar.ButwhatsherememberedmostwasWolf’sexpressionwhen
hekneltbesideherandpleadedwithhertolethimtakeherbackinside.He’dbeensickenedwhenshe
toldhimthetruthaboutwhathadbeendonetoher.Sickenedandashamedandguilt-ridden.

Itwasn’treallyallhisfault.She’dwantedwhathadhappened,untilsherealizedthathewaspaying

YserabackwithSara’sbody.Shewonderedifherememberedthat.Ofcourseheremembered.She
feltbitter.Sick.

Shesatupandpushedherlegsoffthesideofthebed.Sherealizedsuddenlythatherdressand

shoeswerestillinthelivingroom,wherehe’dstrippedthemoffher...

“Idon’thaveanyclothes,”shewhispered.“Mydress...”
“Isn’tthatit?”Barbaraaskedcuriously,noddingtowardthechairagainstthewall.Herdresswas

drapedoverit,hershoesonthefloorbesideit.

“Oh.Yes.Canyoudrivemeuptomyapartment?”Saraaskedinaghostlywhisper.
“Youcan’tgohomeyet.”
“ButI...”
“I’mgoingtostayherewithyou,”Barbarasaid.“Butnoneofusarewillingtoleaveyoualone.

You’vebeentraumatized,Sara.”

Shecoloredandhergreatblackeyesweretragic.“He...toldyou?”
“Hejustsaidthatthingsgotoutofhand,that’sall.Honest.”
Thatmadeitalittleeasier.Shebrushedbackhertangledhair.“Oneofhiswomencametolook

afterme,”shesaidwithabitterlaugh.

“She’smarriedtohisbestfriend,”Barbarareturned.“Andhe’sgodfathertotheirsons.”
“Oh.”
“OurMr.Pattersondoesn’thavewomen,”Barbaramused,andherblueeyestwinkledwhenSara

flushed.“Gossipgetsaround.Apparently,hetakesgorgeousblondewomentothetheaterandthe
operaandtheballet,andthendepositsthemattheirfrontdoorsandgoeshome.Someofthemare
frustratedenoughtotalkaboutit.”

Forsomeoddreason,thatmadelastnightmorebearable.ButSarastillfeltthestressofwhathad

happened.“Whereishe?”sheaskeduneasily,glancingatthedoorasifshewasafraidhemightcome
throughit.

“I’llgoandsee.I’llmakebreakfastforallofus,thenI’llgouptoSanAntonioandgetyousome

thingsfromyourapartmentifyou’lltrustmewiththekey.”

“Iwanttogohome,”Sarasaidwithastifledsob.
Barbaraputherarmsaroundherandhuggedhertight.“Youjustneedalittletime,”shesaidgently.

“Youhaven’tletamantouchyousinceithappened,haveyou?”

Shepulledback.“Hetoldyou...?”
“No.I’veseenthesymptomsbefore,”Barbararepliedgently.“Rickbroughtmeayoungwoman

oncewho’dbeenraped.Shestayedwithmeuntilhehadherassailantincustody.Iwentwithhertothe
trialandsatwithher.”

Shefelthottearsrollingdownhercheeks.
“Youdon’thavetotellmeanythingyoudon’twantto,”Barbaraadded.
Saradrewinabreath.“MystepfathertriedtorapemewhenIwasthirteen,”sheconfessed.“My

brothergottohimjustintime.Hewasarrested.Therewasatrial.”Hereyesclosed.“Ihadtotestify.
Hewenttoprison,andmymotherthrewmeoutofthehouse,alongwithGabriel.Wewerebroughtup
byarelativeofoneofthepublicdefenders,atthesecondtrial.”

Shedidn’tmentionwhatthesecondtrialinvolved.Shesmiledsadly.“Shewasthefamilywenever

had.”

“Atleastyouhadsomeonetoloveyou,”Barbarasaid.
“Yes.”
“Thetrialwastheworstpart,Iimagine.”
Sarashuddered.
“Defenseattorneyscanbebrutal,”Barbararecalled.“Ididn’tbelieveit,untilIsawitwithmyown

eyes.”

“HesaidItemptedmystepfatheruntilhewentcrazy,thatitwasallmyfault.”
“Bullexcrement,”Barbarasaid.
Saraletatinylaughescapeher.Shewipedatthetears.“Sorry.I’mawateringpotthismorning.”
“Couldyoueatsomething?”
“I’dlovecoffee,atleast.Ifhe’s...notinthere,”sheadded,shiveringasshethoughtaboutfacing

Wolfagainwiththememoriesofthenightbeforebetweenthem.

“I’llgoandsee.”
Barbaragotherclothesonandwalkedintothekitchen.Itwasdeserted.SherecalledthatWolf

didn’thaveahousekeeper.Itwasajokelocallythathewouldn’tletanywomanintohishouse,much
lesshiskitchen.Hewasanimmaculatehousekeeperand,gossipalsosaid,agourmetchef.

Shecouldn’tfindhimanywhere.Then,noticingacrackeddoordownthehall,shepusheditopen.

Andtherehewas.WolfPatterson.Sprawledacrosshisdeskwithanoverturnedglassandhalfabottle
ofwhiskeyathiselbow.

Sohewasn’tascoldasSarathought,afterall.
Barbarawenttothedeskandshookhimgently.
“Myfault,”hesaid,halfasleep.“Myfault.She’llhatemeforever.Oh,God,Ihatemyself!”
Asoundbrokefromhisthroat,andhisbroadshouldersshook.
Barbarawinced.“Mr.Patterson,youneedtogotobed.”
“No.No,Ineedagun...”
“Youstopthat!”Shehalfdraggedhimtohisfeet.Buthewasheavy.Shecouldonlygethimasfar

asthesofa.Shegrimacedassheeasedhimdownontoit.

“Damnme,”hegroaned.“Damnme,forwhatIdidtothatpoor,tormentedlittlesoul!”
Heputhisarmacrosshiseyes.
Barbaragotanafghanthatwasdrapedoveraneasychair.Shecoveredhimwithitandpushedback

hisblackhair,asifhe’dbeenheradoptedson,Rick,whenhewashurting.

“Itwillbeallright,”shesaidsoftly.“Trytosleep.”
“Shewasafraidofme,”hesaidinatorturedvoice.“Shewasshakingallover...!”
Shesmoothedhishair.“Gotosleep.”
“Damn...me,”hebreathed.Secondslater,hewassnoring.
Barbarawentoutandclosedthedoorgentlybehindher.Asshestartedbacktowardtheguestroom,

shesawacowboystandingatthefrontdoor.

Sheopenedit.Shehadtobeverydiscreet.Shesmiled.“Hi.Areyoulookingfortheboss?”
“Uh,yes,”hebegan.“Theboysarereadytogo,ourforemanjustneedstoknowifhe’sgot

anythingelseplannedfortodaybesidesroundingupstrays.”

“He’sprettysick,”Barbarasaid,thinkingupnicelies.“HewentoutwithMissBrandonlastnight.

Shebroughthimhome.MissBrandoncouldn’tleavehim,butshedidn’twanttostayherealone.
Gossip,youknow,soshecalledme.”Shesmiled.“We’rejustgoingtobehereuntilhe’sbetter.”

Thecowboyrelaxed.“Ihopehe’sbettersoon.Ifyouneedsomething,youjusttellus,okay?”
“Iwill.I’msurehe’llappreciateit.”
“You’reMrs.Ferguson.Yourunthatcaféintown,”themansaidsuddenly.“Gosh,ma’am,theboss

isgoingtobeoneluckyguytohaveyoudoingthecooking.”Hechuckled.“Yoursteakandpotatoes
isjustthebestonearth.”

“IhearyourbosscooksevenbetterthanIdo,”shemused.
“Yes,ma’am,buthelikesallthosefancysaucesandspices,”hesaid,shrugging.“Meandtheboys

don’tminditonceinawhile,butamangetshungryforbiscuits.Surewasahappydayforuswhen
wegotthatnewcookforthebunkhouse.”Hegrinned.

Shelaughed.
Hetippedhishat.“Tellthebosswe’llbeworkinghard,andwehopehegetsbettersoon.”
“I’lltellhim.”
Sheclosedthedoorback.She’dhavetoremembertopromptnotonlySara,buttheboss,aswell,

oncehewokeup.Hewasgoingtohaveakingofahangoverwhenhedid.

***

B

ARBARA

MADE

BISCUITS

andcountryhamwithgravyandanomeletwiththewindowtrayofherbsthat

Wolfgrewinthekitchen.

“Whereishe?”Saraasked,becauseherfriendhadn’tsaid.
Barbarabutteredbiscuitswithasigh.“Passedoutonhisdesk.”
“Passed...out?”
Barbaranodded.Shescoopedeggsontoaplatter.“Withhalfabottleofwhiskeybesidehim.”
“Buthedoesn’tdrink,”shestammered.“Mybrothersaidhewouldn’teventouchhardliquor.”
“Ithinkheprobablyfelttheneedforitlastnight,”camethequietreply.“Igothimontothesofa,

andhewentoutlikealight.”

“Didhesayanything?”Saraprobed.
“Justthathewishedhehadagun...”
Saramoanedoutloud.“Ishouldhavetoldhimthetruth,”shesaidhuskily.“Ishouldhavemadehim

understand.It’smyfault!”

“You’rebothcarryingscars,”Barbarareplied.Sheputthefoodonthetableandpouredcoffeeinto

twocups.

“Yes,andevenmoreofthembecauseoflastnight.”Sheputherfaceinherhands.“Ididn’tknow,

didn’tdream,thatitwouldbesohardtostop...”Sheflushed.

“Iwasmarried,youknow,”Barbarasaidwithakindsmile.“Iknowallaboutpassion,believeitor

not.”

“Idon’tknowanything,”Saraconfessed.“Or,Ididn’t.”Shebitherlip.“Ineverevendatedafterit

happened.Well,Ididonce,”sheconfessed.“Hewasaniceboy.Iwasinmysenioryear.Hewastoo
impatientandIjust...lostitandstartedcrying.HethoughtIwasnuts.Sowordgotaround,andnobody
elseaskedmeout.Iwouldn’thavegoneanyway,afterthat,”shesaidheavily,sippingcoffee.“I
thoughtI’dneverbeabletofeelanythingwithaman.”

“Butthatisn’tquitetrue,isit?”

Sheshookherhead.“He’s...averymasculinesortofman,”shesaid,keepinghereyesdown.“He’s

handsomeandsensuous,and...”Shelookedup.“Ithought,maybe,justmaybe...”Shelookeddownat
hercoffeecup.“SoItried,andnowbothofusarepayingforit.”Shesippedmorecoffee.“He’ll
neverforgiveme.”

“It’shimselfhe’shavingtroubleforgiving,Ithink,”Barbarareplied.“Itjustneedsalittletime,”she

added.“Thingswillgetbetter.Fornow,don’tletthoseeggsgetcold.Theyturntorubberwhenyou
havetoheatthemupagain.”Shelaughed.

Saramanagedasmileassheliftedaforkfultohermouth.

***

W

OLF

STILL

HADN

’

T

shownupwhenBarbaradroveuptoSanAntoniotofetchSara’sclothes.Sarahad

triedtogowithher,butBarbarawasfirm.Theyoungerwomancouldn’tseetheanguishinherown
face,buttheolderonedid,andwasafraidthatonceshegotintoherapartment,shewouldn’tleave.
Barbaradidn’twanttoletherbealone.

Shedidn’taddthatsheknewthingsSaradidn’taboutWolf’spastandthewomanwhomRicksaid

wasnowhuntinghim.Sarawouldbeindangeranywhereexcepthereuntilherbrotherwashome
again.BarbaraprevaricatedandsaidthatsomeonewastargetingGabriel,thatRickknewandhadtold
her,andthatitwouldbedangerousforSaratobealone.

WhichmeantthatSaracouldn’tevenconfideinMichelleoraskhertoleavehercollegedormto

stayinSara’sapartment.Thatwouldn’thavebeenfair,anyway.Theyoungwomanwasdoingvery
wellinherjournalismclass,butshewashavingsomeproblemswithoneofhercorecourses.Sara
didn’twanttobethecauseofhavingherfailit.

She’dborrowedapairofslacksfromBarbara,alongwithabutton-upblueplaidshirtandsome

flats—luckilythetwowomenwereofasimilarsize,eveninshoes.Shelookedverydifferentfrom
thepoised,elegantpersonwho’dcomehomewithWolfthenightbefore.

***

S

HE

KNEW

THAT

hekepthorses.Sheglancedatthestablewithunpleasantmemoriesinherblackeyes

andturnedherattentiontothecorral.Oneofthemareswasprancingthere,withacoltbesideher.
TheywereAppaloosas.IthadbeenalongtimesinceSarahadevenseenone,althoughaneighborin
Wyomingranthem.Theywerebeautifulwiththeirstripedhoovesandspots.Shesmiledasshe
watchedthemarenuzzlethecolt.Itwhinniedwithdelight.

“She’sfouryearsold,”adeep,quietvoicecamefrombehindher.“Shewasarescue.Herprevious

ownerbeatheralmosttodeathwithatireiron.Ittookalotofworktogainhertrust.”

Sheswallowedhard.Shecouldn’tlookathim.Sheknewherfacewasscarlet.
Shefelthimbehindher.Nottooclose,butshecouldalmostfeelthewarmthofhisbody.
“Ithoughtaboutblowingmybrainsoutlastnight,”hesaidinanalmostconversationaltone.“ButI

decideditwouldbebettertowaitandletyourbrotherdoitforme.”

Sheturned,veryslowly,andlookedupathimwithwide,uncertainblackeyes.
Hewincedatherexpression.Hishandsweredeepinthepocketsofhisjeans,andhelookedlikea

manwitharaginghangover.Hispaleeyeswerebloodshot.Hisfacewaslikestone.

“IhopeyoucanunderstandwhyIwouldn’tletyougobacktoyourapartment,whyIaskedBarbara

tocomeoverhere,”hesaidinasubduedtone.“Ididalotofdamage.I’mnomoreenthusedthanany
othermanabouthavingtoseetheresultsofmyownstupidity,butyou’refragilerightnow.Iwon’t

leaveyoubyyourself.”

Sheswallowedandavertedhereyes.Shewrappedherarmsaroundherbody.Shewastrembling.

“Okay,”shesaid.

“Barbarawillbehere,allthetime,”hepromised.“Iwon’t...trytogetyoubyyourself.Iwon’ttouch

youagain.”

Shejustnodded.Shecouldn’tmanagewords.
Hemovedawayalittle,hiseyesonthecorral.“Youwerehonestwithmeaboutalmosteverything.

Excepttheageyouwerewhenithappened.”

“Iknow.”
Hischestroseandfell.“Ithoughtshewasoutofmylife.Sheneverleft.I’mstilltryingtomake

otherpeoplepayforwhatshedidtome.Youcan’tpossiblyimaginehowashamedIamforwhatIdid
toyou.”

“Icouldn’ttalkaboutit,”shesaidafteraminute.“Hedid...vulgarthingstome.Saidvulgarthings.I

didn’tevenunderstandsomeofthem,untilthetrial.Thatwasbadenough,beingpaintedassome
teenageharlot.Butwhatcameafter...”

Heputonebootedfootonthefenceandlookedtowardthehorses,notather.“Tellme,Sara.”
Shesmoothedhercoldhandsoverthewoodofthefence.“Mymothergotanotherlawyerforhim.

Hefoundaloopholethatwouldallowaretrial.Butwhenhegotout,allhewantedtodowasmakeme
payforputtinghiminjail.Hecameafterme,withagun.Iwasjustcomingoutthedoor,onmyway
toschool,whenhewassuddenlythere.Hecalledmenames,andhelaughed.HesaidI’dneverliveto
testifyagainsthimasecondtime.”Hereyesclosed.Shewasn’tawareofthemanbesideher,standing
likeastatuewitheyesthatwereterribletolookinto.“Ournext-doorneighborwasapoliceofficer.
Hewasonhiswaytowork,too,whenhesawwhatwasgoingon.Hepulledhisservicerevolverand
orderedmystepfathertoputdownhisweapon.Hehaditaimedatmewhenthepolicemanshothim,
rightthroughthehead.”Sheshiveredallover.Shecouldn’tsayanythingelse.

Shefeltarmsenfoldingher,astrong,warmbodyholdinghertenderly,withoutpassion.Shefelt

handsatthebackofherhead,tanglinginherlonghair.Amouthpressedtohertemple.Sheheard
words,tender,soothingwords,whilesheshiveredandrelivedthetrauma.

“Therewerechargesagainstthepoliceofficer.Itestified,becauseIdidn’twanthimtohavetopay

forsavingme.Itledtosomething...trulywonderful.Thepublicdefenderhadamaidenauntwhotook
Gabeandmein,madeahomeforus,treateduslikethechildrensheneverhad.”

“Thepoliceman?”
“Mytestimonyexoneratedhim,”shesaid.Sheclosedhereyesandshiveredagain.“Butthe

shootingwasjustonemoreterror,onemorething,tokeepmeawakeatnight.Ihatedhim.Ireally
hatedhim.ButIwatchedhimdie.Ifelt...responsible.Mymotherscreamedatmeatthetrial.ShesaidI
wasamurderess,thatshehatedme.”Saradrewinashakybreath.“Mylife...hasbeensuchahell,”she
sobbed.

Hekissedherweteyelids,histonguesmoothingoverthelong,elegantlashes,hishandsgentleand

slowinherhair.“Mypoorbaby,”hewhispered.“God,I’msosorry!”

Herclenchedfistsrestedontopofthedenimshirthewaswearing.Hesmelledofcoffeeandsmoke

andsomepleasantcologne.Sheletherforeheadrestagainsthismouth,lethimholdher.

Heshudderedatthattrust,whenhe’ddoneeverythingintheworldtobetrayit.
“IwouldneverhavetouchedyouifI’dknown,”hesaidinaroughundertone.
Shedrewinashiverybreath.“Iknow.”
Hewastoounsettledtorealizewhatshewasadmitting.Hesmoothedherblackhairandliftedhis

head,lettingthecoolbreezemovethedarkstrandsofhisownhair,whichweredrenchedinsweat.

Shestoodinthecircleofhisarms,hereyesclosed.Amazingly,itwasthefirstpeaceshe’dever

known.

Thesoundofacarcomingupthedrivewaycaughttheirattention.Shemovedbackfromhim,a

littleinhibited,asadarklimousinedrewupatthefrontdoor.

“Thatisn’tBarbara.Shetookherowncar,”shesaid.
“No.It’sdefinitelynotBarbara,”hesaidheavily.“Ijusthopeshedidn’tbringherpetswithher.”
“She?”Shelookedupathim,worried.
“Icanalmostseewhatyou’rethinking,”herepliedquietly.“It’snotoneofmywomen.Idon’thave

women,sinceYsera.Itoldyouthat,anditwasthetruth.”

Shejustlookedathim.
“Ihopeyou’llbeabletoforgivemeforthis,”headded,noddingtowardthehouse.“Ican’tletyou

gohomeuntilI’msureyouwon’tlookforsomedrasticwaytoforgetwhatIdidtoyou,”headded.

“Idon’tunderstand.”
Heputhishandsinhispocketsasawomangotoutofthelimo.Itdroveaway,andthereshestood

ontheporch,besidearollingsuitcase.

“Youwill,”hesaid.
Heledthewaytotheporch.
Ayoungwomanwasstandingthere.Shehadblack,spikyhairwithpurplehighlights.Shewas

wearingablackdressthatcametoherankles,withalotofsilverjewelry.Hernailpolishwasblack.
Sowasherlipstick.Shehadastudthroughhernose.

Sheturnedwithsilvereyestrainedonthetwopeoplewhowerejustjoiningherontheporch.
“I’mEmmaCain,”sheintroducedherself.Hersilvereyestwinkled.“I’mguessingoneofyouis

WoffordPatterson.”

Shocked,atinylaughescapedSara’stightthroat.
“She’stooshort,”Wolfsaid,noddingatSara,“soit’sprobablyme.Nicetomeetyou.”Heshook

hands.“ThisisSaraBrandon,”headded,indicatinghiscompanion.

“Icanonlysparetwodays,”shesaid.“Sowe’dbettergetthingsgoing.Ineedaquietroomanda

potofblackcoffee.Andwe’llhavetodothisoneatatime.Idon’tlikejointsessions.”

Sarawashavingthemosthorrible,unspeakablethought.“Joint...?”ShelookedupatWolfwithan

expressionofsuchshockthatheburstoutlaughing.

“Notjointsex,”Emmasaidwithonecornerofhermouthdrawndown.“Didn’thetellyou?I’ma

psychologist.”ShegaveSaraawickedgrin.“You’rebothbroken,andI’mgoingtofixyou!”

CHAPTERSEVEN

E

MMA

C

AIN

WAS

notwhatSarahadexpectedatherapisttolooklike.Theyoungwomanwas

outrageouslydressed,andshelookedmorelikeagoththanapsychologist,butherintelligencewas
apparentfromtheoutset.

SheseatedSarainaneasychairinWolf’sstudyandbroughtoutaniPod.Shelookedathernotes,

pursedherlipsandthenleanedbackonthesofa.

“Firstquestion,”shesaid,andshesmiled.“HowdoyoufeelaboutWolfPattersonthismorning?”
Sarabitherlowerlip.
“Noneofthat.Don’tsearchforananswer.Justtellme.”
“Idon’tknowhowIfeel,”Sarareplied.“Thingswenttoofar.Hewas...He...”Shetriedtofind

words.

“Heusedyouaspaybackforawomanwhohumiliatedhim,”camethereply.
Saranoddedmiserably.
“Andyouwerehopingforsomethingentirelydifferent.”
Therewasahesitation.ThenSaranoddedagain.“Iwasneverabletofeelanything,withother

men,”sheconfessed.“ButfromthefirsttimeIsawhim,Ijustfellapartwhenhelookedatme.Iwas
antagonistic,becauseIwasafraidofwhatIfelt.”

Emmasmiled.“Hedoesn’tknowthat.”
“No.”
“Youwantedhim.”
Saraflushedred.
“It’snotasintowantsomeone,”Emmatoldhergently.“It’sanatural,humanreaction.It’swhywe

getbabies.”

“Well,yes,but...”
“But?”
Sara’sgreatblackeyeswerebrightwithunshedtears.“Itwasmyfaultthatthingswentsofar,”she

whispered,asifitwasshamefultoevensayit.Itshockedhertohearit.Untilthatmoment,shehadn’t
realizeditherself.“Ithoughthefeltsomethingforme.”

“Whichmadewhathappenedalltheworse,yes?”
“Yes.Becauseitdidn’tmeananythingtohim,”shesaiddully.“Hewasverybadlytreatedbya

woman.Sheridiculedhimwhenhemadelove,humiliatedhim.Shelookedlikeme,”sheaddedwitha
sadsmile.

Emmanodded.Shemadenotes.
“Howmuchdoyouknowabouthim?”Emmaaskedafteraminute.
“Iknowthathehasterriblememories,”shereplied.“Likemine,onlyworse.Nobodyknows

exactlywhathedoes,ordid,foraliving.HesaidheworkedfortheFBI,butheandmybrotherare
friends.Andmybrotherisaprofessionalsoldier,anindependentcontractor.”

“Believeme,Iknowaboutmercs,”Emmasaid.“Peoplethinkthey’rehardasnails,thatthey’lldo

anythingformoney.”Sheshookherhead.“IfIhadfewerethics,Icouldtellyoustories.”

“Mr.Patterson...Wolf...toldmesome.”
Emmacockedherheadandsmiled.“Mr.Patterson?”
“It’swhatIalwayscalledhim,before,”shesaid.
Emmamademorenotes.“Doyouknowanythingabouthischildhood?”

“Yes.”Shebitherlip.“Butthat’ssomethingheneedstotellyou.Idon’ttalkaboutpeople,”she

addedapologetically.“Ihadtotellyouaboutthewomanwhohumiliatedhim,becauseitwaswhyhe
did...whathedidtome.”

“Admirable,”Emmamused.
“Idon’tthinkhe’lltellyoumuchaboutme,either,”Saraadded.
Emmachuckled.“Nothingatall,infact,”shesaid,liftingsilvereyestoSara’ssurprisedface.“He

wasprettyvocalabouthimself,andhowbadlyhe’dhurtyou.”ShestudiedSara.“Actually,Iwas
expectingbruises...”

“No!”Saraexclaimed,leaningforwardintently.“Oh,no,heneverhurtmelikethat!Hewould

neverhurtmephysically!”

Emmacockedherhead,likeabrightlittlebird,andwaited.
“He...he’sverytender,”shewhispered.Sheflushed.
Emmadidn’tsayanything.Shejustmademorenotes.

***

A

N

HOUR

LATER

,EmmaandSarawentintothekitchen.BarbarawassittingtherewithasubduedWolf

Patterson.

“Yourturn,”Emmasaid,grinningathim.
Hegotup,glancedatSaraandwincedandfollowedEmmaintothestudy.

***

“S

HE

’

S

NOT

AT

ALL

whatIexpected,”SaratoldBarbaraastheysippedcoffee.“Mygoodness,Icould

tellheranything!”

“Shehasaratheruniqueoutlook,”theolderwomansaidandchuckled.
“Oh,yes.”
“Ibroughtyourclothes,”Barbarasaid.“AndIstoppedbythecafétomakesurethingswere

runningsmoothly.”

“I’msosorry...”
“You’reoneofthenicestpeopleIknow,Sara,”Barbarainterrupted.“Thisisnoproblem,believe

me.”

“Thankyousomuch.”
Barbarasmiled.“I’mthinkingofitasavacation,”shemused.“Ihaven’thadoneinyears.”
“Yes,butyou’recookinghere.”
“NotbecauseIhaveto,”cametheamusedreply.“Seethedifference?”
Sarahadtoagreethatshedid.

***

S

HE

CHANGED

INTO

slacksandablackturtlenecksweater,slippingintoaknee-lengthsweatervestto

helpcamouflagethetightfitofthesweater.Shedidn’twanttolookseductive.Shepulledherlong
hairbackintoaponytailandsecureditwithapinkribbon.

Whenshegotbacktothekitchen,WolfwassittingtherewithBarbara.
“WhereisMissCain?”Saraasked.
“Gonetoherhotel,”Wolfsaid.“She’llbebackinthemorning.”

“Sheisn’tstayinghere?”shewonderedaloud.
Wolfsippedcoffee.“Ifyou’rewillingtosharearoomwithherandWillie,I’llaskhertocome

over.”

“Who’sWillie?”sheasked.
“Hereight-footpython.”
Sararememberedthenwhatshe’dheardhimsayabouttheunorthodoxpsychologistwhenshefirst

arrived.“Shekeepssnakes.”

“Oh,yes,”heagreed.“AndWillie’sjustababy.”
“Themindboggles.”Barbarachuckled.
“She’sverygood,”SarasaidasshesatdownbesideBarbaraatthekitchentable.
“Sheis,”Wolfreplied.
“Ineedtoseewhatyou’vegotinthefreezer,”Barbarabegan.
“Justsitdown,”hereplied.“I’mdoingquicheandcrepesforsupper.”
“Youcook?”Saraasked,surprised.
“Yes.”
“Thiswillbeatreat.”Barbarachuckled.“Everycookgetstiredofherownstuffonceinawhile,”

sheaddedwhentheystaredather.“Needsomehelp?”

“Yes.”HeglancedatSara.“Canyouchoptheherbsforme?”heaskedherquietly.
Shedidn’tlookathim.Butshenodded.
“Thenwhileyoutwoaredoingthat,I’dliketocatchthenews.Doyoumind?”
“Gorightahead,”Wolfsaid.“Ihavesatelliteandallthechannels.Knockyourselfout.”
“Okay.”Shepickeduphercoffeecupandhesitated.
“Ispillthingsallthetime,”hetoldher,andsmiled.“Takeyourcoffeewithyou.Carpet’sclean.”
Shelaughed.“I’mnotplanningtospillit,butsomepeopledon’tlikebeveragesinthebestroom.”
Heshrugged.“I’mabearwithfurniture.”
Saraburstoutlaughing.“What?”
“There’safemalecomedienne,”hesaid.“Ilovedtowatchheract,afewyearsago.Shesaidmen

werejustbearswithfurniture.Itmadeanimpression.”

Sheavertedhergazewhenhetriedtoholdhereyes.Hesmiledsadly.Itwasearlydaysyet.

***

S

HE

CHOPPED

HERBS

withanexcellentknifefromhisexoticwoodblockfullofthem.

“Youdothatverywell,”heremarkedwhileheheatedoilinasautéingpan.
“Ilovetocook.”
“Inoticed.YouhavealmostasmanycookbooksasIdo.”
“Yes,butIcan’tdocrepes,”sheconfessed.“Iburnthem.”
“Ittakesalotofpractice.That’sall.”
Theyworkedwelltogether,sharingspace,nottalking.Shelikedthewayitfelt.Companionshipwas

somethingthey’dneverreallytried.

“HowdoyoulikeEmma?”heasked.
Shenodded.“She’snotatallwhatIexpectedapsychologisttobe.”
“That’swhyIlikeher.Shedoesn’ttrytomakesquarepegsfitinroundholes.”
Shescrapedtheherbsintoabowl.“Ifyou’rewondering,Ididn’ttellheranythingaboutyou.Well,

exceptfor...”Sheflushed.

“Itoldhertherest,”hesaidalittlestiffly.“ShesaidshethoughtI’dhityou...”
“Shedidnot!”sheexclaimed.“Itoldheryou’dneverhurtme.Thatyouneverwouldhurtme

physically!”

Hewassurprisedatherspiriteddefenseofhim.Hesearchedherblackeyesslowly.“Shesaidthat.

Aftersheputmybackup.”Hesmiledslowly.“Itamusedherthatyoudefendedme.”Heloweredhis
eyestothepan.“Itshamesmethatyouwould,afterwhatIdidtoyou.”

Shedrewinalongbreath.“YoumusthavenoticedthatIwasn’tfightingveryhard.”
Hestoppedwhathewasdoingandturnedtoher.
Shebitherlowerlip.“You’reactingasifIwereavictim.I’mnot.Youdidn’thurtme.”
“Ididn’thurtyouphysically,”hesaidcurtly.“WhatIdidtoyourprideissomethingelse.”
Shemovedonethinshoulder.“Prideiswhatyouhavebeforelifemakesyouashamedofbeinga

woman.Yousee,Icouldn’tevenletamantouchme,foryearsafterthetrial.Itwasworsewhenhe
wasshot,andpeopleinmycircleoffriendsinWyomingknewaboutit.That’sonereasonthat
GabrielgotustheapartmentinSanAntonio,andthehouseinComancheWells,becausenobodyknew
ushere.ItwassomeplaceIcouldliveandnothavepeoplegossipaboutme.”

Heleanedagainstthecounter,hispaleeyesnarrow,watching,waiting.
“Itriedtogooutwithamanjustonce,whenIwasaseniorinhighschool.Heknewallaboutwhat

happened.”Shestaredatherhands,bareofrings.“Ilikedhim.Ithought,maybe...Butwhenhetook
mehome,AuntMaudewasn’thomeandGabrielwasintheservice.Hepushedinpastmeandstarted
kissingme.Ijust...panicked.Ifoughthimandscreamed.HelookedatmeasifIwereacrazyperson.
Hewalkedoutandleftmethere.Hetoldhisfriends,Iguess,becauseitwasallovertheschoolthatI
gothystericalifaboykissedme.”Sheshrugged.“SoIstoppedeventrying.Menwereprettyrepulsive
tome,anyway.”

Hewaswatchingher.“Notme,”hesaid,hisvoicedeepandslow.
Shelookedup,flushing.“Notyou,”sheconfessedinalmostawhisper.“I...I’dneverfeltanything

likethat.”

Hisheartdroppedintohisboots.Heturnedaway.“Itwastoosoon,”hesaid,combiningingredients

tomakethequiche.

“Yes.IthoughtIcould...”
“Notyou.Me.Itwastoosoon,afterYsera.”Hewhippedmilkandeggsintotheherbsshe’d

chopped.“Yougetyouregogroundintothedirtfortwoyears,ittakestimeforthescarstoheal.”

“Someoneshouldhavehungherfromalightpost,”shemuttered.
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Wetried,”hesaid.“Thelocalmilitiacombedthehillslookingforher.

Butshesoldeverythingsheownedandboughtherwayoutofthecountry.”

“Youneversawheragain?”
“No.Butoneoftheunitsattachedtooursdid,justrecently,inBuenosAires,”hereplied.“Wordis

thatshehasamillionaireloverwho’sgoingtofundherreturntoAfrica.”

“She’sgoingback?Why?”
“Shewasinvolvedinillegaldrugtrafficking,”hesaid.“She’sahigh-leveldealer,withcontactsall

overtheworld.That’swhywewereafterher.WeworkedwithInterpol,untilIgotstupidenoughto
trustherasaninformant.”HeglancedatSarawryly.“Rulenumberoneinespionage—neverget
involvedwithasource.”

“Espionage?”
Henodded.“Iworkedwithanumberoffederalagenciesinthiscountry,andatonetimeIdidjobs

forInterpol.”Heputdownthewhiskandturnedtoher.“Butmylastjobwasasanindependent

contractor.Iworkedwithyourbrother,infact,inanincursioninAfrica.That’showheknowsme.It’s
whyhetriedtokeepusseparated,becauseheknewwhatYseradidtome.”

“Isee.”
“Itgetsworse,Sara,”hesaidquietly.“Drugtraffickingisn’ttheonlybusinessshe’sinvolvedin

now.She’salsobentonrevenge.Ihelpedputheroutofbusiness,andshelostalotofmoney.While
shewasinhiding,itdidn’tmatter.Nowitdoes.She’sgotagrubstake,andshewantsmyheadina
sack.Sheputoutacontractonme.”

Herheartseemedtostopbeating.Shelookedupathimwithfearinhereyes,herpaleface,her

stillness.

“SoyoumightnotneedtoworryaboutwhetherornotI’llbepaidbackforwhatIdidtoyoulast

night,”hesaidcalmly.“Yserawilldoitforyou.”

“You’resafehere,though,yes?”sheasked,worriedandunabletohideit.“YouhavefriendslikeEb

ScottandCyParks.Andmybrother.”

Hestudiedhersoftmouth.“YourbrotherwilllikelysaveYserathetroublewhenheknowswhatI

did.”

“Hewon’thearitfromme,”shesaidstubbornly.“Orfromyou,”sheadded,justasstubbornly.“It’s

ourbusiness.Nothis.”

Hecockedhishead.“Shouldn’tyouhateme?”
Shesmoothedthecountertop.“Probably.”
“Butyoudon’t.”
Sheshookherhead.
“Why?”
Shedidn’tanswerhim.
Heputhisbighandoverhersmallone.“Why?”
Sheturnedandlookedupathimwithliquidblackeyes,fullofpainandsadness.“Iwantedwhat

happened,”shesaid,wincing.“Ithought...”

Hemovedastepcloser.“Youthoughtwhat,honey?”heaskedtenderly.
“Ithought,maybe,withyou...”
Hecaughtastrandofherblackhairandtoyedwithit.“Youwereneverinanyrealdangerofthat,”

hesaid.“Webothknewitcouldn’tgothatfar.”

Sheflushed.
“Butitwentfarenough,”hecontinuedgrimly.Hesearchedhereyes.“Howmuchdoyouknow

aboutbasicanatomy?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Doyouknowthatspermaremobile,andthattheycancrawl?”
Herfacewentwhite.Sherecalledvividlywhathadhappenedbetweenthem.
“Ididn’tpenetrateyou.ButIdidn’thaveto.IwasrightagainstyouwhenIcame,”hewhispered.
“Thatcouldn’thappen,”shebegan.
“Itdidhappen,infact,toafriendofmineinbasictraining.Heandhisgirlwerereligious.Nosex

beforemarriage.Buttheyplayedaround,thewaywedidlastnight.Shebecamepregnantwhileshe
wasstill,technically,avirgin.Fortunatelyforher,hedidknowsomebasicanatomy.Theygot
married.Theyhavefourkidsnow.”

Hermindwasspinning.Shecouldgetpregnant.Herhandwenttoherstomach.Shedidn’tknow

whethertolaughorcry.He’dhateherevenmoreifthathappened.Shewinced.

“We’llhandleit,”hesaidfirmly.“Whateverhappens.Butyoulistentome.”Hetiltedherfaceupto

hispiercingblueeyes.“Ittakestwopeopletomakeababy.Sojustoneshouldn’tmakeadecisionthat
affectsbothparents.Doyouunderstand?”

Sheswallowed.“Yes.”
“Youtellme,onewayortheother,”hesaid.“Iwon’tforget,andIwon’tforgive.”
Shedrewinashakybreath.“Okay.”
Hetouchedherflushedcheek.“Whenwasyourlastperiod?”
Shebitherlip.
“When,Sara?”
“Twoweeksago.”
“Damn!”
Heturnedbacktothequicheanddidn’tsayanotherword.Hewasinagony.He’ddonesomething

incrediblystupidoutofuncontrollablepassionandabstinenceandshe’dhavetopayforit.Whatever
theydecidedtodoaboutit,ifshegotpregnant,itshouldneverhavehappened.Buthehadn’tbeen
playingaround.He’dwantedhertothepointofmadness.Evenwithouttheultimateactoflove,ithad
beenmoresatisfyingthananyphysicalpleasurehe’deverhadinhislife.He’dhadanorgasmwith
her,fromwhatwasbasicallyheavypetting.Andshe’dhadnothing,exceptinsultsandhumiliation.

“Ireallyshouldletyourbrothershootme,”hemuttered.
Shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Helookedshattered.Shedidn’tknowwhattodo,either.Shewould

havewantedhischild,ifhe’dshowntheleastinterestinhavingit.Butheonlywantedtoknowifshe
gotpregnant.Shewascertainthathedidn’twanttobetiedtoherforthenexteighteenyears.He’d
wantatermination.

Itwasjustonemorehorriblecomplicationfromasituationthatshecouldhavepreventedbyjust

sayingshedidn’twanttogohomewithhim.

“Ididn’teventrytosayno,”shesaidaloud,inahauntedtone.
“We’rebothhuman,”hesaidquietly.“Iwantedyoutothepointofmadness.Ithinkyouwantedme

justasmuch.”

“Atfirst,”sheagreed.
Hewhiskedtheeggsandsetthemasidewhilehemadeacrust.“Youwereavirgin,”hesaidheavily.

“Ididthingstoyou...”Hegroundhisteethtogether.“Itshouldhavebeenwithsomekindyoungman,
someonewithalovingfamily.Amanwho’dcherishyou,giveyouchildren,growoldwithyou.”His
eyesglittered.“I’mthirty-sevenyearsold.You’rebarelytwenty-four,”hebitoff.“Almostanother
generationfromme.”

Shelookedupathim,notseeinghisage,onlyhowhandsome,howvirile,hewas.“Icouldneverlet

anyothermantouchmelikethat,”sheconfessed,andloweredhereyesbeforeshesawtheuttershock
inhis.“Sowhatdoesagereallymatter?”

Heturnedtowardher,hishandscakedinflour.“Nootherman?Ever?”
Sheshookherhead.“Onlyyou.Thatway.”
Hishighcheekbonesflushed.“Thatjustmakesitworse.”
ShelookedupintotormentedArctic-blueeyes.“Itwasmyfault,too.”
Heactuallywinced.
Shehadtolookaway.Herwholebodyfelttightwhenhelookedatherthatway.Shefoldedher

armsoverherbreasts.

Hedidn’tsayanotherword.

***

T

HEY

ATE

QUICHE

andthedelicatecrepesandateaperfectcrèmebrûléefordessert.

“Youshouldopenarestaurant,”Barbaraenthusedwhentheywerestackingdishesinthe

dishwasher.“I’veneverhadbetterfood.”

Helaughedsoftly.“Ilovetocook.Onethingfosterhomesallhaveincommonisthatmostlythe

foodisinedible.Igottiredofit,soIfoundawomanwhocouldcookandhadherteachme.”

“Fosterhomes?”Barbaraasked.
Henodded.Buthedidn’tvolunteeranymoreinformation.NeitherdidSara,whoknewalotmore

abouthispastthananyoneelsedid.

***

A

FTER

SUPPER

,B

ARBARA

foundamovieshewantedtowatch.WolfwentoutsidewithSaratowatcha

meteorshowerthathadbeenadvertisedearlieronthenews.ShewaswearingoneofWolf’sleather
jackets.He’dinsisted,becauseshehadn’taskedBarbaratobringheracoat.Theweatherwas
unseasonablycold.

“Theradiantisinthenortheast,there,”heindicated,pointingup.
“Youknowalotaboutthis.”
“IhaveaSchmidt-Cassegraintelescope,”heconfessed.“Withaten-inchaperture.It’supintheattic.

Inevertakeitoutbecauseit’salonelybusiness,watchingforcelestialeventsbyyourself.”

“Ihaveareflectortelescope,”sheconfessed.“Idon’tuseitforthesamereason.”
“Youshouldcomeoverhereonceinawhileandwe’llwatchmeteorshowerstogether.”
“Thatwouldbenice.”
“I’ddoanythingintheworldtomakeituptoyou,youknow,”hesaidafteraminute.“You’rethe

onlyconfidantI’veeverhad.Idon’ttrustpeople.It’shardtosharethings,especiallyunpleasant
things,fromthepast.”

“Iknow.”
“Doyouthinkyoucanforgiveit?”heasked.
Shefeltthetautnessofhisbodybesideher.Hewasalmostvibratingwhilehewaitedforherto

reply.

“Icanforgiveit,”shesaid.
Hispostureseemedtorelax.“Inyourplace,Idon’tknowthatIcould.”
“Youdidn’tknow,”shesaid.“Icouldn’ttellyouallofit.”Shesnuggleddownintothejacket.It

smelledofhim.Itwaswarmandpleasant.“Ioverreacted.”

“Icameonlikearunawaytrain,”heconfessed.“Igotdrunkonyou.IthurtthatIwentinheadfirst,

afterwhatI’dbeenthrough,thatIcouldn’tcontrolwhatIfelt.Itookitoutonyou.”

“Butisn’tthatwhathappenstomen?”shefaltered.
“UntilYseracamealong,therehadneverbeenawomanwhocouldmakemelosecontrol.”
Shewonderedaboutthat.Itseemedstrange.
Heshiftedandturnedtowardher.Therewasjustenoughlightfromthewindowstolethimseeher

face.“Oneofmyfostermotherstriedtoseduceme.Iwastwelve.Shelikedyoungboys.”Hebithis
lip.“Icouldn’tcontrolit.Iwassoashamed.Shetriedtotellmethatitwasnatural,butthenher
husbandcameinand...”Heturnedaway.

“IhopeyoutoldEmmaallthat,”shesaid.
“Ican’ttellEmmathethingsIcantellyou,”hesaidheavily.
Hersmallhandslidintohisbigone.Shefelttheshockofitashetensed.Buthisfingerscurled

aroundhershungrily.

“SoIspentthenexttwentyyearstryingnottolosecontrolwithwomen.”
“Ontopofthat,itmusthavebeendevastating,whathappenedwithher.”
“Devastating.”Hisfingersentwinedwithhers.“Wanttohearsomethingfunny?”
“What?”
Hishandcontracted.“Ihadthefirstorgasmofmylifelastnight.”
Shewasgladthatitwasdark.
Heturnedandlookeddown.“Areyouflamingred?”
“Yes.Don’tlook.”
Helaughedverysoftly.“Wehavesuchintimatememoriesfortwoenemies,don’twe?”hemused.

“Ishouldn’tteaseyou.”Hishandcontracted.“Butit’sthetruth.Ididn’tknowitwaspossible,pleasure
likethat.”

Sheswallowed.“NeitherdidI,”sheconfessedinawhisper.
Hebentdownandlaidhisforeheadagainsthers.“Imadeyoucome,too,”hewhispered.“Overand

overagain.Iwatchedyou.”

“Youmustn’t...!”
“YourfacewasthemostbeautifulsightI’deverseenwhenyouwentovertheedge.WhenIgave

youpleasure,andwatchedittakeyou.Iwantednothingmorethantotellyouthat.ButIletthepast
ruinitforbothofus.”

Shestoodverystill.Shedidn’tspeak.
“Iwantedtogoinsideyou,”hewhisperedatherforehead.“Deepandhardandslow.Iwantedto...”

Hebitofftherestofit.He’dwantedtomakeherpregnant.Hecouldn’tadmitthat.Hewasthinking
nowthatitmighthavehappened,justthesame.Shecouldhavehisbabyinherbellyrightnow.

“Wolf...”sheprotested.
“Canyouimaginehowitwouldfeel?”heaskedhuskily.“Youandme,likethat,soclosethateven

aircouldn’tgetbetweenus?”

“Youshouldn’t...”
Hismouthmoveddowntohoverjustoverhers.“Ican’t...doit...withotherwomen,”hewhispered

roughly.

“Wh...what?”shegasped.
“Youheardme,”hebitoff.“Ican’tgetarousedwithanyoneexceptyou.”
Shewasshockedspeechless.“Allthosebeautifulblondewomen...”
“Beautiful.Experienced.Willing.”Hesighed.“Itookthemhomeandleft.”
“Why?”sheasked,stunned.
“Idon’tknowwhy,honey,”hesaid.Hisfingerssmoothedthroughherponytail,pullingtheribbon

awaysothatherhairfelllikeasmoothblackcurtaindownherback,aroundhershoulders.“Your
hairissobeautiful,Sara.Beautiful,likeyou.”

“Idon’tunderstand,”shesaid.
“NeitherdoI.ButallIhavetodoistouchyou,”hemurmuredwryly.Hepulledhertohimand

gaspedashisbodybecamecapabletheinstanthishipsbrushedagainsthers.“See?”

Shestoodverystill.
“God,I’msorry!”Hestartedtopullaway.
Herarmsslidunderhisandaroundhim.Shewastrembling,butshewouldn’tletgo.
“Sara,”hegroundout.
“It’sallright,”shesaidsoftly.“I’mnotafraidofyou.”

Hisbighandsspreadbetweenhershoulderblades,restinglightly,thenpulling.Heswallowedher

upwholeagainsthim,shiveringwithdesire,andheldher.Buthedidn’ttouchherintimately,oreven
trytomovehercloser.Hejuststoodthere,inthedarkness,holdingher.

“Sara,”hewhispered.“Whatifwemadeababy?”
“I...don’tknow.”
“Theycandoabloodtestandfindout.Itdoesn’ttakelong.”
“Yes.”
Hetiltedherfaceup.“You’lltellme.”
“Yes.”Shesighedandlaidhercheekagainsthischest.“I’lltellyou.”
Sheclosedhereyes.Itwasheaven,standingsoclosetohim,feelingsafe,protected,wanted.The

onlythingthatwouldhavemadeitmoreperfectwouldbeifhelovedher.Butthatwouldbewishing
forthemoon.

CHAPTEREIGHT

S

ARA

HAD

ASKED

Barbaratobringherlaptopcomputerdown.Latethatnight,afterBarbarahadgone

tosleep,shegotupandpulleduphergame,carefultokeepthesounddownsothatitwouldn’tdisturb
anyone.

SheloggedintothegameonhercharacterandsmiledasRednachtwhisperedher.

How’sitgoing?

heasked.

Youhaven’tbeenon

inacoupleofdays.

Hadsomeproblems,

shereplied.

Yes.Me,too,

hesaid.

Iletsomebodydown.

SodidI.

Ifeellikeaheel,

hetyped.

ShetrustedmeandI

hurther.

Ididthesamethingtosomeone.Imadehimfeelguiltyforsomethinghecouldn’t
help.

Therewasa

lol

onthescreen.

Reallifecanbea

pain.

Tellmeaboutit,

shesaid.

Wanttorunabattleground?

Iwish.It’sverylate,andIhavetogetupearly.

Right.Thehaircuttingjob,

hereplied.

She’dgiventhatfictionasfact,andnowshewasstuckwithit.

Iguessyouhavetostraponagunand

gochaselawbreakers,huh?

sheteased.

Somethinglikethat.Ihaveanenemy.Verydangerous.

Herheartjumped.

Youbecareful.Idon’thaveanybodyelseintheworldtoplaywith.

Therewasahesitation.

NeitherdoI.Youtakecareofyourself.

Shefeltwarminside.Hewassuchacaringperson.Shewonderedwhatsortoflaw-enforcement

workhedid.

Well,I’llseeyouoninafewdays,

shesaid.

I’llbeputtinginsomeovertime.

SowillI,

hereplied.

Keepwell.

You,too.

Goodnight,myfriend,

hetyped.

Shealmostwept.

Goodnight,myfriend,

shetypedback.

Afteraminute,sheloggedoffandcloseddownthecomputer.Thereweretearsinhereyes.

***

E

MMA

C

AIN

WAS

backthenextday.SheandSaraweremakinggoodprogress.Itwasthefirsttime

Sarahadeverbeenabletotalktoanyoneaboutherchildhood,abouthermother ’sbetrayal,aboutthe
trialanditsaftermath.Itcamemucheasierbecauseshe’dtoldWolf.

ShementionedthattoEmma.“He’stheoddestsortofconfidant,”sheconfessed.“Icantellhim

anything.Ican’teventalktomyownbrotheraboutthesethings.”

“Apparently,hecantalktoyouinthesameway,”cametheamusedreply.“It’sagoodthing,too.A

man’ssoftspotishisprowessinbed.Itwouldbedifficultforhimtotellanothermanhowhewas
treatedanddemeanedbythatwoman.”

“He’ssuchakindperson,”shemuttered.“I’dliketoshootthatwoman.”
Emmalaughed.
“What’sfunny?”
“Hewassayingthesamethingtomeaboutyourstepfather,”Emmaconfided.“Hesaiditwastoo

badthemanwasdead,andhecouldn’ttakethepastoutofhishideforyou.”

Shesmiled.Thenthesmilefaded.“Doyouknowmuchaboutanatomy?”
“I’madoctor,”Emmasaid.“Wespecialize.”
“You’reapsychologist...”
“I’maforensicpsychologist,”Emmasaid,chucklingatSara’sfascinatedexpression.“Ido

counselingontheside.Myspecialtyisthemechanicsofviolence.”

“Mygoodness!”
“So,yes,Ihavehadtraininginanatomy.”
Saraswallowed.“Canawomanreallygetpregnantevenifthere’snopenetration?”
Emmacockedherhead.“Wasthereintimatecontact?”
“Yes.”
“Washeexcitedduringit?”
“Yes.”
Emmasighed.“Then,yes,awomancangetpregnantfromit.”Shemadenotes.“Haveyoutold

him?”

“Hetoldme.”
“Isee.”
Sarasighed.“Iwouldlovetohavehischild,”sheconfessed.“Buthewasn’tenthusiasticaboutit.In

fact,hewasinsistentthatItellhimtheminuteIknowsomething.”Shewrappedherarmsaround
herself.“Ican’thaveatermination.Ijustcan’t!”

“Waituntilyouhavetofaceasituationbeforeyoudwellonit,”Emmaadvised.“Untilyouknow

somethingdefinite,it’snothing.It’sair.”

“Isupposeso.”
“Whydoyouthinkhewouldn’twantit?”
“HethinksI’mtooyoung,”shereplied.
“You’retwenty-four,Ibelieve?”
“Yes,buthe’sthirty-seven,”shereplied.
Emmachuckled.“Mybestfriendhasahusbandwho’sseventeenyearsolderthansheis,”shesaid.

“Theyhavethreechildren,andshe’ddieforhim.Hedidn’tthinksheknewthedifferencebetween
infatuationandlove.Washeinforashock!”

Saralaughed,surprised.
“Soignorehim.He’stalkingthroughhishat.Now,aboutthepregnancy.Howdoyoufeelaboutit?”
“I’dgiveanythingtobepregnantbyhim,”Sarasaidsoftly.“Anything!”
Emmapursedherlips.Shemademorenotes.

***

W

OLF

WAS

LESS

forthcomingwhenEmmaspoketohim.

“She’stooyoung,”hesaid,whenshe’daskedhimhowhefeltaboutachild.“Toonaive.Shenever

reallygrewup.Shewaslostinthepast,inbadmemories.She’sneverreallydated,goneoutwith
men,learnedaboutrelationships.Itwouldn’tbefairtoher.”

“Whatifshewantedit?”
“Shewouldn’t,”hesaidfirmly.“Ipushedherintoanintimaterelationshipthatshedidn’treally

evenwant.IfIhadn’tinsisted...”

“Shesaidthatsheinsisted.”
“Well,she’slying,”hebitoff.“Ipushedheroffbalance,keptheroffbalance,usedtricksIshould

beashamedoftomakehergivein.”Heclosedhiseyes.“Ifshedidn’thaveanimperforatehymen,I’d
havetakenher.Thatwouldhavebeentheultimatebetrayal.Sheshouldhavetherighttochooseher
firstlover.AtleastIdidn’ttakethatawayfromher.”

Shewonderedhowmencouldcopewithanything.Theycertainlyhadoddideasaboutwhatwomen

wanted.Butitwasn’therplacetotellhimhowtofeel.Itwasherjobtolistenandthenadvise.Which
shedid.

***

E

MMA

HAD

TO

gobackhome.Sheleftreluctantly,becausethesetwoweregoingtoneedongoing

therapy.

“IwishIcouldtakeyoubothonaspatients,”shetoldthematthefrontdoor.“Ihaveseriousdoubts

thatyou’lleventalktoanotherpsychologist,”shesaid,frowning.

Sarabitherlowerlip.Wolfgrimacedandjammedhishandsdeepintohisslackspockets.
Emmasighed.“Listen,doyoubothhaveSkype?”
“Yes,”theysaidinunison,andthenlaughedateachother.
“Wecandosessionsthatway,ifyoulike,”Emmatoldthem.“We’llsetupregularappointments.It

willbealmostthesameasbeinginmyoffice.”

“Thatwouldbelovely,”Saraexclaimed,relieved.
“Icanmanagethat,”Wolfagreed.
Emmasmiled.“Okay,then.I’llbeintouch.”Sheglancedtowardthelimousinewaitingforher.The

driver,inabecomingblacksuitandtie,wasstandingoutsidelookingveryuncomfortable.

“Helooksimpatient,”Sararemarked.
Emmachuckled.“He’sscaredtodeath.I’vegotmybabyinacarrierinthebackseatwithme.”
“Thepython,”Wolfsaid,nodding.
“Odd,isn’tit,howsomepeopleareafraidofsnakes?”Shesighedthenshrugged.“It’skeptme

singleanddatelessforyears.”

“Youneedtofindanicemanwholovesreptiles,”Saraadvised.
“Oratleastonewhodoesn’tlookhuntedinthepresenceofone,”Wolfagreed.
Emmajustshookherhead.“Oneday,”shemused.“I’llbeintouch.”
Thedrivermetherhalfway,standingwellbackasheopenedthebackdoorforherandquicklyshut

it.

“Whatdoyouwanttobethedouble-checksthatslidingwindowbetweenthedriver ’scompartment

andthebackseatisclosedtightly?”Saraaskedgleefully.

Helaughedoutloud.“I’llbethewisheshehadlocksonit.”
Theybothwaved,althoughtheycouldn’tseeEmmathroughthetintedwindows.
Theywentbackinside.
“Ineedtogohome,”Saratoldhimquietly.
Hedrewinalongbreath.Hedidn’twanthertoleave.Thehousewasgoingtobeempty.He’dbe

alone.Again.

“Tomorrow,”hesuggested.
Shehesitated.Shedidn’treallywanttogo.“Tomorrow,”sheagreed.

***

H

E

TOOK

HER

withhimtothehenhousetogathereggs.

“Watchwhereyouputyourfeet,”headvised.“Chickensfunctionallovertheplacearoundhere.”
Shelaughedsoftly.“Igrewupwithchickens.WehadtheminCanada,ontheranchwherewelived

whenmyfatherwasstillalive.”

“Yourfatherwasparamilitary,yousaid.”
“Yes,”sherepliedsadly.“Hewasthesortofmanwhocouldn’tlivewithoutdanger.”
“Iknowhowthatfeels.”
Sheglancedathimwithwide,softeyesandthenloweredthemwhenhiseyescutaround,sothathe

couldn’tseethevulnerability.“Isupposeyou’dfindithardtosettledown,too.”

“Probably,”hehadtoagree.“I’velivedheregoingonfouryears,butIhaven’tbeenhomeallthe

time.Istilldojobsasanindependentcontractor.”

Herheartwentcold.Shehadn’trealizedthat.Sheshouldhave.He’dsaidhemetYserainAfrica,

andithadn’tbeenthatlongago.

“Youtakechances,”shesaid.
“Notmany.I’mcareful.Usually.”Heglanceddownatherandwinced.“Notcarefulenough,with

you.”Hepaused,lookingdownatherbenthead.“Youmayforgivemesomeday,butI’llnever
forgivemyself.Never!”

Shelookedupintoturbulent,paleblueeyes,inafacecontortedwithregret.
“Itisn’tyourfaultthatIbehavedlikeatwo-year-old,atthelast,”shesaid,althoughsheflushed.

“Youneverhurtme.”

Hisjawclenched.“Ihurtyourpride,justasshehurtmine.”
Shecockedherhead,studyinghim.“Don’tmen...saythingslikethattowomen,whentheymake

love?”sheaskedinahushed,slightlyembarrassedtone.“Iwatchedthisracymovieonce.Hesaid
thingstoherthatshockedme.”Sheloweredhereyes.“Sortoflikethethingsyousaid.Buthewasn’t
madather,ortryingtohurther...”

Hisbodyreactedtothewordsinanuncomfortableway.Heavertedhiseyes,andturnedjustalittle,

sothathisconditionwouldn’tbeasnoticeable.“Mensayallsortsofthings,”heagreedroughly.“But
Imeanttohurtyou.That’swhyitshamesme.”

“IsubstitutedforYsera,youmean,”shesaidheavily.
Hedrewinabreath.Heliftedhisheadandlookedoutovertheexpanseofacresoflandtothe

horizon.“Only...atthelast,”hesaidroughly.“Upuntilthen,untilthememoriesstartedlancinginto
me,I’dneverhadsomuchpleasurefromawoman’sbody.Evensex,realsex,wasneversogood.”

Thattookthestingoutofthememory.Shedidn’tsayanything.Shejustlookedathim,fascinated.
“I...Idon’tknowanything,”shestammered.

Heturnedthenandlookeddownather,withquiet,softeyes.“Maybethat’swhyitwassogood.I’ve

neverbeenthefirst,withanyone,inmylife.”

“Oh.”
Hischinlifted.Hefeltimpossiblyarrogant.“Iwasyourfirst,”hesaid.
Shegrimaced,andhereyesburnedwithtears.
“Sara!”Heputtheeggbasketonthegroundandframedherfaceinhishands,liftingitsothathe

couldlookintodrenchedblackeyes.“Beingforceddoesn’tqualifyasexperience,”hesaidsoftly.
“Baby,hewantedtohurtyou.Hedidn’twanttoloveyou.”

Sheswallowed.
Hebentandkissedthetearsaway,tenderly.“Igaveyouyourfirsttasteofpleasure,”hewhispered

roughly.“I’msorryImadeitanexperienceyouwon’twanttoremember.I’msosorry!”

Shebawled.Hekissedthetearsaway.Thenhekissedhersoftmouth,thereinthewarmsun,his

armsenvelopinghertenderly,holdingherjustcloseenough,butnottooclose.

“Itwaslike...shootingheadfirstintothesun,”shewhisperedintohismouth.“Likeburstinginside...”
Hisbodyclenched.“Yes.”
Hereyesopenedintohis.“Isitlikethat,whenyougoalltheway?”
Hisfacehardened.Hisarmsaroundherweretense.
“Ishouldn’thaveasked,”shesaid,tryingtomoveback.
“Standstill,”hesaidroughly.
Shedidn’tunderstand.
Withagrimsmile,hedrewherjustcloseenoughtoletherfeelwhathadhappenedtohimandthen

movedherback.

“From...justtalking?”shefaltered.
Hedrewinaheavybreath,andnodded.
“I’msorry.Ididn’trealize.”
Heclosedhiseyesandshivered.Butafteraminute,hebegantorelax.“It’sbeentoolong,”hesaid

inahuskytone.“Andyouarouseme,quitefrankly,morethananywoman’severbeenableto.”He
smiledathertransfixedstare.“Ilikeit,”hesaid.“Atmyage,it’smoreablessingthanacurse.”

“Yourage?”
“Youdon’tunderstand.”
Shemanagedafaintsmile.“No.I’mnotveryworldly.”
Hesmoothedherhandagainsthisshirtfrontandexaminedtheprettynailswiththeirclearvarnish.

“Asamanages,it’shardertogetaroused.”

“Notforyou,”shesaidandthenflushedandloweredhereyes.
Hechuckledwickedly.“Notwithyou.Thatdoesn’thappenwithanybodyelse.”
Hereyesshotbackuptohis,fascinated.“Thosebeautifulblondes...”
“Don’tdoathingforme,”hereplied.Heshrugged.
“Wow.”
Hecockedaneyebrow.“Wow?”
Shesmiledhesitantly.“Ifeelalmostdangerous.”
“SodoI.Soit’sagoodthingyou’releavingtomorrow,beforeIputanymorescarsonyour

emotions.”

“Youwanttosleepwithme.”
“Idonot,”hereturned.Hisfacewashard,hiseyesglittered.“Iwanttomakelovetoyou.Allnight,

allday,foraweek.”

Shewentscarlet.
Helaughedandmovedawayfromher.“Andthatwouldputbothofusintheemergencyroom,”he

addedwithawryglance.“Thatbeingthecase,let’sgathereggsandtalkaboutsomethingless
stimulating.”

Shemovedbesidehim.Shefeltlighterthanair.Asifshewasalmostnewandyoungandfullof

adventureandhope.“Ihearthey’redevelopinganacousticweaponforthedefensedepartment,”she
commented.

Heburstoutlaughing.“Notthatunstimulating.”
“Okay.Theyhaveanewbrathatmakesyoulooktwicethesizeyouactuallyare,”shesaidwickedly.
Hepausedandlookeddownather.“Whyareyouself-conscious?”heaskedgently.“Yourbreasts

arebeautiful.Iachejustlookingatthemthroughfabric.”

“I’msmall...”
Heputasoftkissonherforehead.“Sizedoesn’tmatter.Well,maybeitdoes,inonesense,”he

added,frowning.Helookeddownather.“Ifyoueverhavethatsurgery,wemayhavesomeissues.”

“Why?”
“I’malittlebetterendowedthanmostmen,Sara,”hesaidquietly.“I’dhavetobeverycareful.”
Sherecalledattheverylastthatnight,whenhe’dliftedhimselfupandshownhimselftoher,and

she’dbeenalmosthystericalatthesight.

“Sorry,”hesaidshortly.“Ishouldn’thavebroughtbackthatmemory.”
“Iwastooupsettonoticeverymuch,atthetime.”Shelookedupathim,hereyeswideandcurious.
“Andmenaremorepotentsometimesthanothers,”hewhisperedroughly.
“Theyare?”
Hegroaned.
Shelookeddownbelowhisbeltandbackupagain,flushing.“They’vesentarobotuptothe

InternationalSpaceStationtokeeptheastronautscompany,”sheblurtedout.“Andthere’sarumor
thatthatgovernmentsecretagencyisimplantingcamerasinthelatestcropofcantaloupes.”

Theabsoluteabsurdityofherlastcommentalmostdoubledhimoverwithlaughterandtookaway

hisheatedreactiontoherinnocentcomments.

Shegrinned.“Didthathelp?”
“Yes,youlittlewitch,ithelped.”Hebentandkissedherfiercely,forafewseconds.“Stopdoing

thattome.”

Shegrinnedbigger.
Heshookhishead.“Goinghometomorrowmaysaveyou.”Hiseyescutaroundtomeethers.“For

now.”

Shefeltsoexhilaratedthatshecouldhavewalkedonair.Shefollowedhimintothehenhouse,

feelingallthebadmemoriesdriftingaway,likewispsofsmoke.

***

L

ATER

,

THEY

HAD

coffeeinthekitchenafterawonderfulsupperthatBarbarahadpreparedforthem.

“You’reagoodcook,”Wolftoldherwithasmile.“I’mgoingtomisshavingsomebodyelsedothe

hardworkinthekitchen.”

“Youcookbetterthanbothofusdo,”Saracommented.
“Yes.Butit’sabighouse.Nicetohavecompany,”hesaid,andavertedhiseyesfromthewomen.
“Wecancomebackanytimeyoulike.”Barbarachuckled.“Ilikegettingoutoftown.”

“Me,too,”Saraconfessed.“Idon’tgetoutofSanAntoniounlessGabriel’shomeattheComanche

Wellsranch.Andhe’sawaymorethanhe’shomelately.”

Wolfdidn’treply.GabrielwasinvolvedinsometrickydiplomacyinoneoftheAfricanstates.He

didn’tdaretellherthat.Sheworriedenoughaboutherbrother.Thethoughtledtoanother,to
somethinghe’dbeentoldaboutYseratargetinghim.Shehadthemoneyandmeans.Heglancedat
Sara.WhatifsheputSarainthecrosshairs?

Hisheartwentwild.Hecouldn’tbearthethoughtofSarabeingindangerbecauseofhim.Hisjaw

tautened.Therewasonlyonethingtodo.Hehadtoavoidherforawhile,throwYseraoffthetrack
byputtinghisbachelorstatusonoverdrive,takingoutasmanywomenashecould.Thatwould
confusetheissue.PeoplemightknowthatSarahadbeenstayingwithhim,butsohadBarbara.

Hecouldconcoctastoryandputitout.Barbarawasindanger,andhersonhadaskedWolftokeep

herattheranch,buthecouldn’tdothatwithoutmakinggossipsoheaskedhisbestfriend’ssisterto
playchaperone.Henoddedtohimself.Thatmightwork.

“Iwantyoubothtodosomethingforme,”hesaidoutoftheblue.“Barbara,Iwantyoutoputit

aroundthatyouwereindangerbecauseofanarrestRickmadeandyoucamehereforsecuritywhile
Rickwasoutoftown.Sara,mybestfriend’ssister,cametoplaychaperone.Gotthat?”

Theybothstaredathim.
“ItoldyourmenthatyouweresickwhenSarabroughtyouhome,andIcametochaperoneyou,”

Barbarasaid.

Hesmiled.“Notbad.ButI’mobviouslywellnow,andyou’rebothstillhere.”Heputdownhis

coffeecup.“Ihaveanenemy.Adeadlyone.Idon’twanteitherofyouinthecrosshairsbecauseshe
thinksI’vegotsomethinggoingwithyou.”

“Oh,”Barbarasaid.Shegrinned.“I’mflattered.IthinkI’matleastfiveorsixyearsolderthanyou

are,”sheadded,pursingherlips.“Maybeten.”

Helaughedoutloud.“Womendon’tstartbeingspinstersthesedaysuntiltheyhitfifty,honey,”he

teased.“You’restillpretty.Andyoucancook.YouneedtohaveRicktakehiscaptaindowntoseeyou.
Themanhasafewissues,buthe’sprettycool-looking.Towomen,Imean.”

Barbaraclearedherthroat.Shehadhereyeonsomeoneelse,butshewasn’ttellinganyone.Notyet.

“Well!”

Sarafeltuneasy.“Okay,”shesaid.SheworriedaboutWolf.WhatifYserahadsomeoneafterhim?

ShewasfarlessconcernedforherselfandBarbara.“You’vegotplentyofpeopleherewhocanlook
afteryou,right?”

Thatconcernmadehimfeelodd.“Yes.Atleasttwoformerfedsandonewhousedtoworkforthe

mob.Oratleastthat’swhattheysayabouthim.”

“FredBaldwin,”Barbarasaid,withanoddlittlesmile.“Hewasonthepoliceforce,justafterhe

turnedstate’sevidenceandsavedCarlieBlair ’slife.”

“He’dstillbethere,buthedidn’tlikecarryingagunallthetime,”Wolfremarked.“I’mstill

amazedathowwellhefitsinhereasaforeman.Hedoesthejobwithrealcompetence.”

“He’sasweetman,”Barbarasaid.“Loveskids.”Shesmiledsadly.“It’sashamethathe’sallalone.”
Wolf’seyesmetSara’s.Hesawthesamesurpriseinthem.
“He’slostalotofweight,”Wolfsaid.“Butit’shardtogethimtoeathealthythings.”
“I’llspeaktohim,thenexttimehecomestothecafé,”Barbarasaidthoughtfully.“He’sthere

severaldaysaweek.”

Sara’seyesweresparklingwithunholydelight,butshehidherreaction.
“Yes,”Wolfreplied,clearinghisthroat.“Hedoesn’treallylikethebunkhousechow.Todd,who

cooksforus,canmakesteaktastelikeburnedcoyote.”

“Yourcowboywhocametothedoorsaidhecookedgreat.”
“ThatwouldbeOrin.”Wolfshookhishead.“HonesttoGod,themandoesn’thavetastebuds.I

madebeefWellington,andhethoughtI’druinedagoodcutofmeat.”

Barbaralaughed.“I’lltalktoFredabouthisdiet,”shepromised.Herfacelitup.
SaraandWolfexchangedamusedglances,buttheydidn’tsayanything.

***

T

HAT

NIGHT

,S

ARA

wasbackinthepastagain.Shewaswithherstepfather,backingaway,herclothing

halftornoffher,thebigmanthreateningandvulgarandexplicitashegropedher.Thenthedream
changedintosomethingastonishing.Sheletoutacryandsatstraightupinbed,theshockstillinher
eyes.

Sheglancedbesideher.Barbarawouldn’twakeifafreighttraincamethroughthebedroom,she

mused,andthatwasjustaswell.Shehopednobodyelsehadheardher.Thescreammusthavecarried.

Shegotupandwenttothebathroom,bathingherface.Thensheopenedthedoortogotowardthe

kitchen.

Thehallwasblockedbyaverytallmanwearingnothingbutblacksilkpajamabottoms.
Shelookedathimwithpurelust.Hewasthemostbeautifulthingshe’deverseen,broad-

shouldered,hisbodymuscularwithoutovertmuscles,hischestcoveredwiththickhair,arrowing
downhisnarrowwaistintothelow-slungpajamabottoms.Herbreathcaughtatjustthesightofhim.

Shewaswearingsilkypajamas,royalblue,pantsthatfelltoheranklesandabutton-upshirtwitha

collarandlongsleeves.Shelookedprim,buthernippleswerestandinguplikelittleflagsunderthe
fabric.

Hegroanedandpickedherupinhisarms,crushinghertohischestashislipsmovedinherhair.
Sheclungtohim.Tearsstunghereyes.
“Nightmares?”hewhispered.
“Yes.”
“Me,too.”
Hecarriedherintothekitchenandheldherverycloseforanotherminute,untilhecouldregainthe

controlhe’dalmostlost.

“Wantcoffee?”heaskedsoftly.
Shelookedpasthimatthewall.“It’s3:00a.m.”
Heshrugged.“IusuallywatchYouTubeinbedwhileIdrinkcoffeeandeatdinnerrollsor

croissantswhenIcan’tsleep.ButIheardyou.Godknowshow,thewallsareprettythick.”

Sheburiedherhotfaceinhisthroat.“YouhavenightmaresaboutYsera,don’tyou?”
“Yes.Andyoursare...prettyevident.”Heliftedhishead.“DidIsaysomething,dosomething,this

afternoontocausethem?”heaskedworriedly.

“No.Itdoesn’ttakeatrigger,”sheconfided.“Theyjusthappen.”
Henodded.“Mine,too.”Heleveredheroverachair,buthesitatedtoputherdown.
“Whatisit?”sheasked.
“IwantyoutoknowthatIdon’tmeantobeathreattoyou,”hesaidgently.“Willyoukeepthatin

mindwhenIputyoudown?”

Shenodded,althoughshedidn’tunderstandwhathemeantuntilhelethergoandsteppedback.
Hewasalreadycapable,andhe’dbarelytouchedher.Hewasmuchmorearousedthanhe’dbeen,

eventhenighttheywereintimate.Hereyeswerelikesaucers.Thesilkpajamasdidnothingto
camouflagehim.

Helaughedhoarsely.“Sara,couldyoustopstaring,please?”heaskedasheturnedaway,

uncomfortable,andstartedtomakecoffee.

“Youreallyare...magnificent,”shesaidhuskily.“Sorry!”
Heliftedaneyebrowandchuckledasheglancedather.“You’reavirgin.Youaren’tsupposedto

noticethingslikethis,orunderstandthemifyoudo.”

“Somemoviesareveryexplicit,”shesaidprimly.“Andwewon’tevenmentionromancenovels.”
“Youreadthose,doyou?”
“Well,yes.ItwastheonlysubstituteIhadforaphysicalrelationship.Untilyoucamealong,

anyway.”

Heglancedatherwithdarkeningeyes.“Wedon’thaveaphysicalrelationship,”hepointedout.He

turnedbacktothecoffee.“Imadeadeadsetatyouanddestroyedyourlife.”

“YoubroughtEmmadownheretofixme.Tofixyou,too.”Shesmiled.“It’sthefirstrealpeace

I’veknowninyears.”

“Butyouhadanightmare.”
“Well,yes,butitwassortofodd.”
Hestartedthecoffeeandsatdownatthetable,leaninghiselbowsonit.“Odd,how?”
“Thistime,whenhestartedtowardme,Ipickedupachairandknockedhimout,”shesaid.She

laughed.“Iscreamed,likealways,butthistimeitwasn’toutoffear.Itwasoutof,well,triumph.”

Hiseyessoftened.“Progress.”
Shesmiled.“Realprogress.”Shesearchedhiseyes.“Howaboutyou?”
Heshrugged.“Samedamneddream.Sameagony.”
“I’msorry,”shesaidsoftly.“IhopedEmmacouldhelpyou,too.”
“Ithinkshewill,eventually.”Hestudiedher.“It’sjustthatIcan’topenupwithher,thewayIcan

withyou.”Hegrimaced.“It’sdifficulttotalkaboutitwithawoman.”

Sheunderstood.“Ican’ttellGabriel,”sheagreed.“Andhe’smybrother.”
“SoitlookslikeifIneedcounselinginthatdepartment,you’regoingtobeit,”hesaidflatly.“You

cantellEmmawhatItellyouandaskforadvice,”headded.“ButI’mnottellingherexactlywhat
Yseradidtome.”

Shewasimmenselyflattered.“Okay,”shesaidsoftly.
Hishighcheekbonesflushed.Hestudiedherclosely.“Ihavetostayawayfromyouforalittle

while,”hesaid.“Idon’tliketheidea.ButIwon’tputyouindanger,youunderstand?She’lltarget
anyoneclosetome.”

“SoIcan’tbeclose.”
Henodded.
Shedrewinalongsigh.“Okay.”
“Ididn’tsayIliketheidea.Orthatit’swhatIwant.”
Shesmiled.
Thecoffeepotshutoff.Hegotupandpouredthemcups.“Youlikeopera,don’tyou?”
“Iloveit.”
“Comewithme.”
“You’retakingmetoaconcertinmypajamas?”sheasked,withthefirstflashofhumorshe’dfelt

indays.

“Ican’tletyougetdressed.Youmightlettheflyingmonkeysouttogetme,”heteased.

Shelaughedandhithisarm.“Stopthat.”
Hefeltthechangeinherwithdelightasheledherintothelivingroom.

CHAPTERNINE

W

OLF

TURNED

ON

thetelevision,butnottoachanneloreventotheBlu-rayplayerhehadonthebig

entertainmentplatform.HeturnedonhisXbox360andmovedtoYouTube.Hesatdownbesideher
andpulledupa2012YouTubevideoofayoungmanandwomanandstartedplayingit.

“They’rekids,”shesaid.
“He’sseventeeninthis.She’ssixteen.Listen.”
Therewasaninterview.Theboytoldofbeingpickedonbyotherchildren,ofhislossof

confidence.Thenhetoldhowhispartner,abeautifulyoungwoman,hadgivenhimbackthat
confidenceandledhimtogoonthestagetoauditionforBritain’sGotTalent.

Hewalkedoutontothestagewithhispartner.Oneofthejudgesaskedthenameoftheduoandwas

told“CharlotteandJonathan.”Therewereafewquestions.Theboywasshyandsaidlittle.The
judges,andtheaudience,seemedlessthanimpressed.

Thenthemusicstarted.Andtheboyopenedhismouthandbegantosing“ThePrayer”withhis

partner.Bytheendofthefirststanza,theentireaudiencewasonitsfeetapplauding.

Sarawatchedwithtearsrollingdownhercheeksasthelasttremulousnotesfadedaway.
Wolfcutoffthevideoandlookeddownather.“Triumphaftertragedy,”hesaidsoftly.“Canyou

imaginehowhefeels,tohavetheaudienceonitsfeetapplaudinghim,afterbeingputdownagainand
againforhisappearance?Likehispartnersays,youreallycan’tjudgeabookbywhatyouseeonthe
outside.”

“He’samazing,”shesaid.“Absolutelyamazing.”
Henodded.“OnedaywemayseehimattheMet.”
“We?”sheaskedsoftly.
Hispaleeyesnarrowed.“We.”
Shewasn’tsurewhattosay.Shesearchedhiseyeswithfainthope.
Heavertedthemandturnedoffthetelevisionandthegamebox.
“Yougame,”shesaid,surprised.
Heshrugged.“It’stheonlyrealhobbyIhave.”Heglancedather.“Doyougame?”heaskedand

laughedasifhethoughtitwasaridiculousquestion.

ShethoughtofRednachtandthewarmfriendshipshehadwithhim.Shewasreluctanttoputthaton

display,eventoWolf.Shejustsmiled.“I’mnotmuchofagamer,”shelied.

Heshookhishead.“Toeachhisown,Iguess.Comeon.I’vegotcroissantsinthefridge.I’llheatus

upacouple.”

***

T

HEY

WERE

DELICIOUS

withstrawberrypreserves.Shesavoredeverybiteandsippedcoffeewiththem.

“Youmakegoodcoffee,”shesaid.

“Ilikeitstrong.Inmostcafésyougethotbrownwater.NotatBarbara’sCafé,”headded,

chuckling.“Shelikesgoodcoffee,too.”

“She’sbeenverykind,tostayoutherewithme.ShelikesFred,didyounotice?”
Helaughedsoftly.“Hemustlikeher,too.Hespendsasmuchtimeinthecaféashedoeshere.

Funny,Ididn’tnoticeuntilshementionedit.”

“NeitherdidI.”

Hesmoothedhislongfingersdownthesideofthecoffeemug.“Thinkyoucansleepnow?”
Shestartedtospeak,hesitated.
“Canyousleep?”
Shewinced.
Heputtheemptydishesandthecupsinthesink.“Imayhaveasolution,”hesaid.
Beforeshecouldaskwhatitwas,hebentandliftedherinhisarmsandcarriedherintotheliving

room.Hegrimacedasheputherdownonthesofawherehe’dbeensoardentdaysbefore.

“Iknow,badmemories,”hesaidgently.“Maybewecanerasethem,alittle.”Helaydownbeside

herandpulledanafghanoverthem.Hereachedupandturnedoffthetablelamp,leavingtheroomin
darknessexceptfortheglowoflightsontheentertainmentcenter.

“Groundrules,”hesaidsoftlyashedrewonesoftlittlehandontohischest.“Nointimatetouching,

nomovingcloserthanyouarerightnow.Andmostimportantofall,”hesaid,turninghishead
towardher,“nosnoring.Gotthat?”

“Idonotsnore,”shesaidwithmockindignation.
“I’mgoingtofindthatout.”Hesmiledinthedarkness.Adeepsighmovedhischestunderher

fingers.Hemovedrestlessly,becausethefeelofthemwasintoxicating.

“Youstopthat,”shesaid.“Nomovingcloserthanyouarerightnow,”shequotedhim.
Helaughed.“I’mtrying.Ilikeyourhandsonme.”
Herheartjumped.
Hefeltthat.Histeethclenched.“Maybethiswasn’tsuchagoodidea,”hebitoff.
Sherolledovertowardhimandpillowedhercheekonhisbarechest.Herheartwasabsolutely

throbbing.Butshewasstill.Hersmallhandreachedupandsmoothedhisthickblackhair.

“Gotosleep,”shewhispered.“We’llkeepeachothersafe.”
Hehadtofightamistinhiseyes.He’dneverhadawomanbetenderwithhim.Passionate,yes.

Evendemanding.Butnever,never,tender.Hedrewinashakenbreathandclosedhiseyes.Heloved
thefeelofhersoftbodyagainsthis,thecalmingstrokeofherfingersinhishair.Hewassurethathe
wastooarousedtosleep...

***

H

E

CAME

AWAKE

QUICKLY

,withthereflexesofamanwho’dspenthisadultlifeindangerousplaces.

HelookedtowardthedoorwayintothehallandfoundBarbarastandingthere,tryingnottolaughat

thepicturetheymade.Wolf,withSaraasleepinhisarms,coveredwithasoftafghan.

“Shehadanightmare,”hesaidsoftly.
“I’msorry,”shesaidatonce.“Isleepsosoundly.”
“It’sallright.Iwokeup,too.”Hedidn’twanttoadmittoherthathehadnightmares,aswell.He

lookeddownatSaraandsmiledsoftly.“Shesleptsoundly.”

“Iimagineyoudid,too,”shereplied.“Ididn’tmeantowakeyou.”
“I’malightsleeper,”hesaid.“I’vehadtobe.”
Shenodded.“I’llgomakebreakfast.Anythingspecial?”
“I’vegotcroissantsinthefreezer.Shelikesthosewithstrawberrypreserves.ButI’dlikeeggsand

sausage.Fridgeisloadedwithrawmats.”

Sheliftedbotheyebrows.“Mats?”
“Sorry.”Hegrimaced.“Materials.It’sagamingterm.”
“Youguysandyourvideogames.”Shechuckled.“They’reeventurningourpolicechiefintoan

addict.Andhe’staughtTrishowtoplay!Tippyhastositandmonitorhernow,soshedoesn’tgetin
troubleonline.”

Hegrinned.ThethoughtofCashGrierwithawifeandayoungdaughterstillblewhismind.He

knewGrierfromtimespast.

“I’llgetstarted,”Barbarasaid,castingalastsmileatSara’spronebody.
WolfnuzzledSara’sfacewithhisnose.“Wakeup,sleepyhead,”hewhispered.“Barbara’smaking

breakfast.”

“Breakfast.Mmm.”Shesighedandrolledover.Andtherehewas,biggerthanlife,sohandsome

thathemadeherheartjump,lookingdownatherwithanexpressionshedidn’tquiteunderstand.

“BeautifulSara,”hesaidinalow,tendertone.“Liketheskyatdawn.Breathtaking.”
Hereyesopenedwide.“Haveyoubeendrinking?”sheaskedabruptly.
Hethrewbackhisheadandroaredwithlaughter.“Servesmeright,forgettingpoeticbefore

breakfast,”hemused.Hegottohisfeet,stretchinghugely.

Sarasatup.Shewasbarelyawake,butsherememberedgoingtosleepinWolf’sstrongarms.She

smiledatthepicturehemade,withthosehardmusclestautashestretchedhispowerfulbody.

Heglanceddownatherandturned,amused.“AndIwasworried.”
“Aboutwhat?”sheasked.
Heslidhisarmsunderherandliftedher,afghanandall.“Menaredangerousearlyinthemorning.

Didn’tyouknow?”

Shesearchedhispaleeyes.Sheshookherhead.
Hedrewinalong,deepsighandsmiledather.“Thehouseisgoingtobeempty,”hesaid,andhis

smilefaded.“Allthecolorwillleavewithyou.”

Shebitherlipandfoughttears.“Don’tyougoafterthathorriblewoman,”shesaidabruptly.“Let

somebodyelsego.”

Hebrushedhismouthoverhernose.“Afraidforme?”
“Ofcourse.”
“EvenafterwhatIdid?”heasked,andwinced.
Shesnuggledclose,buryingherfaceinhiswarmthroat.“IwasrememberingthatIsleptinyour

arms,”shewhispered.

Thosearmscontractedsuddenly,bruisinghersoftbreastsagainsthiminanagonyofgriefand

regret.

“Wolf!”
Hedrewbackatonce.“I’msorry.DidIhurtthem?”heaskedsoftly.Helookeddownattautlittle

breastswithveryhardtips.Hisfacechanged.

Shesawtheintentinhiseyes.“Youwouldn’tdare,”shesaid.“Barbara’srightinthekitchen...”
Heturned,marchedherintotheguestbedroom,closedthedoorandbroughthismouthdownright

overthetipofonehardbreastandsuckledher,hard.

Shearched,shuddering.
“Yes.”Heputherontothebedandwentdownwithher,flippingbuttonsoutofbuttonholeswith

amazingdexterity.Hismouthwasonherbarebreaststhen,makingabanquetofthemwhileshe
shiveredandarchedcloserandmadenoteventheslightestappearanceofprotest.

Afteraminute,heliftedhisheadandlookedintoherwide,softeyes.“You’dletme,”hesaid

throughhisteeth.

“Yes,”shewhispered,shivering.
Hishandcuppedonesoftlittlebreast.Hiseyeswereblazing,likeblueflames.“Thisishopeless,”

hegroundout.“Absolutelyhopeless!”

“Why?”
Heloweredhismouthtothehardtipandbroughtitinsidehiswarmmouth.Hedrewonit,harder

andharder,untilhefeltherbodystiffen,heardhersoftlittlecry.Heincreasedthepressureandfelt
hergooffacliff.Hisownbodywasrackedwithneed,buthewouldn’tlistentoit.Thiswasforher,
onlyforher.

Whenhefeltherrelax,heliftedhisheadandlookedattheredmarkshe’dleft.Lovebites,he

thoughtwithpossession.Shewashis.Shebelongedtohim.Helookedintoherwide,shockedeyes.

“Iknow,”hesaidheavily.“I’marake.”
Sheshivered.“Itembarrassesmewhenthathappens.”
“Itshouldn’t.Yourbreastsarevery,verysensitive.Ilikesendingyouofftheedge,”hewhispered.

Hesmiled,butitwasn’tatauntingsmile.Hesearchedhereyes.“AndIdidn’twatch.”

Shecolored.
Hedrewinabreath.“I’vegotissues.You’vegotissues.I’vehurtyoubadly,whenInevermeant

to.”Hesmoothedhishandoverhersoftlittlebreast.“Maybeafewweeksapartwillbeagoodthing.
Becauseifwekeepthisup,Sara,surgeryornosurgery,we’regoingtohaveeachother.”

“Iknow.”Herfacewassadasshelookedupathim,herblackhairrayedaroundherbeautifulface

onthecomforter.“Youdon’twantittogothatfar.”

“No,Idon’t,”hesaidseriously.“I’mthirty-seven.Ihatetokeepharpingonthat,butyou’revery

young,evenforyourage.Youhaven’tknownphysicalpleasurewithanymanexceptme.Thesedays,
that’snotreallya...Whydoyoulooklikethat?”

“DoyouthinkIcouldever,ever,letanothermantouchmethewayyoudo?”sheasked,absolutely

aghast.

Hisfacewentveryhard,withoutexpression.
“Whatdoesthathavetodowithage?”sheasked,miserableandunabletohideit.“IgetsickwhenI

thinkofothermentouchingme.Ialwayshave.”

“DearGod,”hewhispered,andtherewasreverenceinthewayhesaidit.
Shesatup,pullingherpajamatoptogether.“Yes,Ihaveissues,”sheconfessedheavily.“Lotsof

them.”

Hesatbesideher,staringatthecarpet.“Me,too.”Hisfacewasunreadable.
“Iguessit’sdifferentwithmen,”shefaltered.“Yousaidyoudon’t,well,dothingswithother

women.Butafteryou’vetalkedtoEmmaforafewweeks,thatmightchange.Youmightnothave
problems...”

Hewasn’tlistening.Hismindwasonwhatshe’djustsaid.Hethoughtaboutitwithsubduedjoy.She

wantedhim.Evenafterhe’dmadeatotalfoolofhimself,hurther,damagedherpride,shestillwanted
him.Hecouldhaveburstintosong.

“What?”heasked,suddenlycomingbacktothepresent.
“Ineedtostartpacking,”shesaid.
Hegotup.“Ifyouseeanythingsuspicious,youcallme,”hesaidfirmly.“Watchwhoyou’re

around,watchwhatyoudo.I’llhavemenwatchingyou,butyouwon’tseethem.Ifyoudo,”headded
darkly,“I’llfirethemonthespot.”

Shesearchedhisface.“YouthinkI’mindanger?”
“Idon’tknow,Sara,”hesaid.“Ifshehassomeonewatching,ifshethinksImightbeinvolvedwith

you,perhaps.That’soneotherreasonI’mstayingaway.Butifyouneedme,I’llbethere.”

Shemanagedasmile.“Thanks.”

Hesighed.“Ican’tletanythinghappentomyconfidant,”hemused.
Shesmiledback.“Okay.”
“Youdon’tsnore,bytheway,”hesaidasheopenedthedoor.Hegrinnedather.“Youlookedlikea

darkangel,asleepinmyarms.”

Shepushedbackherlonghair.Shedidn’treply.Thewordswerelikeafireburninginherheart.
“I’llseeyouatbreakfast.”
Hewentoutandclosedthedoor.Saratookoffthepajamatopandlookedatherselfinthemirror.It

wasthefirsttimeinsomanyyearsthatshe’dwantedtoseeherself.Shewasamazed.Thebeautiful
womaninthemirrorwassensualandhappy.Hereyeswerelikeblackstars,gleamingwithpleasure.

Thedoorsuddenlyopened.“Imeanttotellyou...”
Hestoppeddeadassheturned,hisfaceclenched.Heactuallyshuddered.
Shedidn’ttrytocoverherself.Shelethimlook.
“WereyouseeinghowmuchdamageIdid?”heaskedsoftly.
Sheshookherhead.
“Thenwhat?”
“Iwasseeinghowhungryyouwereforme,”shewhispered,“andthinkinghowsweetitwastolet

youtouchme.”

Heclosedhiseyes.Histallbodyshudderedagainashefoughthisinstincts,whichweretothrow

heronthebedanddosomething,anything,tostoptheache.

Sheretrievedthepajamatopandputiton,buttoningitup.“Sorry,”shewhispered.“Ineverseemto

saytherightthing.”

“IwantyousomuchthatI’malmostbentoverdoublewithit,”heconfessedroughly.“Itwasn’t

anythingyousaid.”

Shestudiedhimquietly.Hewasviolentlyaroused.“Justfrom...looking?”
“Yes,”hebitoff.
Hisveryvulnerabilitymadeallherfearvanish.Sherelaxed.
“Youaren’tafraidofme,”heremarkedashefoughtforcontrol.
“No,”shesaidquietly.“I’m...”Shesearchedforaword.“Proud,”sheconcludedfinally.“Proudthat

youcanwantme,afterwhatthatawfulwomandidtoyou.”

“Oh,baby,”hebreathed.
“Ilikeitwhenyoucallmethat.”
Heliftedhischin.“That’sbecauseyourememberthelasttimeIcalledyouthat,”hesaidwith

helplessarrogance.“Whenyouwerecryingoutwithpassion.”

Shewasn’tembarrassed.Well,notsomuch.Shenoddedslowly.
Weeks.Weeks.Hewouldn’tbeabletoseeher,contacther,forweeks.I’lldie,hethoughttohimself.
“Whatdidyoucomebacktotellme?”shewonderedaloud.
“ThatBarbara’sgoingtodriveyouuptoSanAntonio,”hesaidwithaharshsigh.“Iwantedtodo

it,butIdon’twantusseentogether,justincase.”

“That’sallright.”
Hestudiedher,sketchedherwithhungryeyesandthenturnedaway.“Comehavebreakfastbeforeit

getscold.”

“Okay.”
Hewentout.Hehesitatedoutsidethedoor.Therewasstillthatsmallpossibility,howeverfaint,that

he’dmadeherpregnantduringtheheavypettingsession.Butitwasalongshot.Shedidn’thaveany
symptomsyet.Probablyshewouldn’t,though.Notjustyet.

HethoughtaboutSaragrowingbigwithhischild,pregnantandherblackeyesshininglikelamps

whileshenursedthebaby.She’dmakeawonderfulmother.

Heclosedhiseyes.No.Itwastoosoonforthat.Shewasjustcomingoutofthedarkness.She

neededtime,toexplore,toseeothermen,tobecertainthathewaswhatshewanted.Hedidn’twantto
pushheraway.Forthetimebeing,forherownsafety,hehadto.Hewasgoingtobeseenwithabevy
ofbeautifulblondestothrowYseraoffthetrack.Ifsheknew,withhervindictivenature,thatSarawas
hisheart,she’dfindawaytohurther,perhapstokillher.TheonlythingonearththatWofford
Pattersoncouldn’tlivewithoutwasSaraBrandon.HehadtokeepYserafromrealizingthat.

***

H

E

WAS

GENTLE

withSarawhenhesaidgoodbyeatthedoorwhileBarbarawaiteddiscreetlyinthecar.

“Itwon’tbeforlong,”hesaidhesitantly.“Justuntilwecanfindher.”
“We?”sheasked,hereyeswideningwithfear.
Heframedherfaceinhisbighands.“They.Imeantthey.”
“Don’tdie,”shewhispered,fightingtears.
“Oh,God,”hegroanedagainsthermouthashekissedher,andkissedher,andkissedher,therein

theshadowsoftheporch,outofsightofBarbaraandthefewcowboysmovingaroundthecorrals.

Hehadtoforcehimselftolethergo.Hekissedhertearsaway.
“YourememberwhatIsaid,”hetoldher,hisvoicedeepandfirm.“Watchyoursurroundings.

Nevergooutatnightalone,foranyreason.”Hehesitated.“IfanyonecallsyouandtellsyouthatI’m
hurt,orthatIwanttoseeyou,don’tlisten.Youcallmedirectly.ThesameforGabe,”headded.“They
mighttrytouseyourbrothertodrawyouout.TheygotCarlieBlairbypretendingthatherfatherwas
hurt.”

“Iremember.”Shesearchedhiseyes.“Justbecareful.”
“I’malwayscareful.Usually.”Heshrugged.“Notwithyou,”headdedsardonically.
Shesmiled.“I’llseeyou,then.”
“Yes.Youwill.”Thewayhelookedatherwasalmostastatementofintent.

***

S

HE

CLIMBED

INTO

thecarwithBarbaraandwaved.Butshedidn’tlookback.Ifshedid,andsawhim

standingthere,soalone,shecouldn’thaveleft.

“Areyousureyou’regoingtobeallrightinthatapartment?”Barbaraworried.“Youcouldstay

withmeinJacobsville.”

“Andputyouindanger,too?”sheasked.
Barbarafrowned.“AllIgotwerebitsandpieces.What’sgoingon?Canyoutellme?”
“Notreally,”Sarasaid.“ExceptthatWolfhasenemies,andoneofthemmightcomeafterme.It’s

notsofar-fetched.OneofGabriel’sdidcomeafterme,butGabewashomewhenhebrokeinthe
house.Itwasoververyquickly.”

“Ididn’tknow.I’msorry.”
“Michelledoesn’tknow,either,”sheadded,referringtothewardshesharedwithherbrother.“I

haven’ttoldheranythingaboutwhat’sgoingon,andI’mnotgoingto.She’sdoingverywellin
college.Idon’twanttoupsether.”

“Michelleisverynice.”
“Yes.Mybrother ’scrazyabouther.”Shelaughed.“Butdon’tyoudareletthatgetout.He’splaying

awaitinggame,untilshe’sthroughschool.”

“Shegraduatesverysoon,doesn’tshe?”
“Shedoes,infact.Shealreadyhasajoblinedup,too.She’llmakeagoodreporter.I’mveryproud

ofher.SoisGabriel.”

“She’shadahardlife.Losingbothherparentsandthenbeinglandedwithheridiotstepmother,

havingherstepmotherdieofadrugoverdoseinfrontofher.”Sheshookherhead.“Itwasagood
thingGabrieltookherin.”

“Andcalledmedowntochaperone,”Sarasaid.“SheandGabrielhavebeenmylifeforthepastfew

years.”

“Ithinkyoumayhavesomeoneelseinthatcircleprettysoon.”SheglancedatSara’sflushedface.

“He’sverymuchaman.”

“Oh,yes,”Sarasaid.“Buthe’snotamarryingman,”sheaddedsadly.
“Sweetheart,everymanisamarryingmanwiththerightincentive.Youwaitandsee.”
Sarawasgoingtodothat.ButdespiteWolf’spassionforher,shewonderediftherewasanything

behindit.Hewasn’tamanwhotrustedemotion.Hefeltguiltyaboutthewayhe’dtreatedher,andshe
knewintimatethingsabouthimthatnobodyelsedid.Theywereconfidants.Butwhetherhecouldlove
herwasanothermatter.Shecouldn’tsettleforalooserelationshipbasedonintimacy,notwithher
past.Butconsideringwhathe’dgonethrough,shewasn’tcertainhecouldevertrustawomanenough
tomarryher.Yserahadputpaidtothat.

Shewouldhavetowaitandsee,shesupposed.Shejusthopedshecouldgetthroughthenextfew

weeksunscathed.Shewasalreadyfeelingtheeffectsofleavinghimbehind.Theweeksthatshewas
apartfromhimweregoingtobeexcruciating.Shedidn’treallyknowhowshewasgoingtocope.
She’dneverlovedamanbefore.

Herheartjumpedupintoherthroat.Love.She...loved.Sheclosedhereyes.Howincrediblethatshe

hadn’trealizedit.Howelsecouldshehavebeensointimatewithaman,exceptifshelovedhim?
Whatatimetorealizeit.Andwhatwouldshedonow?

***

W

OLF

WENT

BACK

insidethehouseafterthewomendroveaway,moroseandquiet.Helookedaround

theemptyroomsandthoughtthattheywerelikehislife.Empty.Someroomsopen,manyclosed.He
wasalone.

He’dlikedthat,before.Beingalone.Butnowitwasacoldexistence.HecouldpictureSarainevery

room,especiallyinthelivingroom,wherehe’dtaughtherpleasureandthendestroyedherpride.He
closedhiseyes,hatinghimselfforthat.Butthenhelookedatthesamesofawherehe’dhadher
innocence,inasense,andrecalledherlyinginhisarmsasleep,sotrustingthatitbrokehisheart.

“Sara,”hegroanedtohimself.
Hewentintothekitchenandtookthecupshe’dheldtoherlipsandputhisownlipsagainstit,

wherepalelipstickremained.Heshivered.

Heforcedhimselftoputthecupinthesinkalongwiththebreakfastdishes.Hestaredatitwitheyes

thatdidn’tseeit.Shewasgone.He’dlethergo.

Thenherememberedwhyhe’dlethergo.
Heputthedishesinthedishwasherandturnediton,moppingupthesink.Thenhewentintoa

lockedroomandturnedonascramblerunitandcalledEbScott.

***

“W

HAT

’

S

UP

?”E

B

askedatonce.

“Anynews?”
“Yes.Badnews.Iwasgoingtocallyoulater.Yseragotthroughthesecuritywe’dputinplace,and

she’sbackinAfrica.Sheboughtheroldhotelandmovedinwithhermillionairelover.Ihavea
contactwhoknowshim.Thewordisthatshepaidhalfamilliontosomeonewedon’tknow,totake
youout.”

Wolfgrimaced.“Vindictive.”
“Yes.”Hehesitated.“You’vehadSaraBrandonouttherethisweek...”
“I’vehadBarbaraFergusonoutherethisweek,”helied.“RickMarquezputamaninjailwho

threatenedvengeance.Saracameovertochaperone.Herbrother,Gabe,isprobablytheonlyfriend
I’vegot.”

“Oh,Isee.”Helaughed.“Sorry.Iwasthinkingotherthings.”
“She’stooyoungforme,”Wolfsaidquietly.
“Beautiful,though,isn’tshe?”Ebasked.
“Whatelsedidyoufindout?”
EbsawthechangeofsubjectinalightthatWolfdidn’tguess,buthemanagedtokeepthesmileout

ofhisvoice.“ThemenshehiredgotonaplanetoHeathrow,andwelostthem.Wefigurethey’llbein
theStatesprettysoon.”

“I’llmakesuremyownsecurityisbeefedup.Gotacoupleofextramenyoucanloanme?How

aboutRourke?”

Therewasahesitation.“Something’sgoingonwithhim.HewasinAfrica,thenhewasinManaus,

nownobodyknowswhereheis.”

“Somethingclassified,Iimagine.”
“Exactly.ButIhavetwogoodmenwithsolidbackgrounds.I’llsendthemover.Makesureoneof

themstaysonyourtail,allthetime.”

“I’lldothat.”
“And,Wolf,itwouldn’tbeabadideatohaveafewdateswithseveralwomen,”hesaidquietly.“So

Yseradoesn’tgettheideathatyou’resetonanyoneofthem.She’dbeanimmediatetarget—perhaps
theprimaryone.”

“I’mtwostepsaheadofyouthere.”
Therewasahesitation.“Gabriel’sinsometrouble,too.”
Hisheartjumped.“Whatsort?”
“It’snothingbig,yet.He’shelpingguardtheoilfieldsinonesmallMiddleEasternvillage,but

thereareinsurgentswhodon’twantthemsafe.I’mafraidtheremaybeabigblowuponedaysoon.”

“ItrainedGabriel,”heremindedEb.“He’soneofthebestprofessionalsoldiersI’veeverknown.”
“Almostyourequal,”Ebagreed.“Almost.I’veneverknownamanwhocouldpulloffthe

strategiesyoudid.”

Hechuckled.“Ihadagreattutor.”
“Yes.Iremember.Keepyourselfsafe.”
“I’lldothat.”
“Andstayclearofwomenyou...careabout,”headded.
“Noworriesthere.Ihatewomen.”
Ebalmostbithistonguethrough.“Okay.Seeyou.”

“Seeyou.Andthanks.”
“That’swhatfriendsarefor.”
Theconnectionwentstill.Wolfleanedbackinthechair.Sara.Hecouldn’taffordtoseeSara,speak

toher,touchher.He’dputatargetonherforeheadifhedid.Yserawouldkillher.Heshiveredgently
asherecalledhowvindictiveYserawas.Thewomanwaspsychotic.Emmahadtoldhimthat,from
thecrumbsshedraggedoutofhim.Sarahadtoldhereverythingashe’daskedherto.Wolfcouldn’t
openuptoEmma.Perhapshecouldmanagethat,later.Hehadtocometogripswiththepastsothathe
hadafuturewith...

Hebitdownhardonthethought.Hislifewasstillfullofdanger.Hedidoddjobsforthe

government,blackops.Hehadn’ttoldSaraaboutthem,buthethoughtsheknewanyway,or
suspected.Hecouldn’tlivewithouttheadrenalinerushes.

Ifhegotinvolved,he’dhavetogiveitup.Hewasalmostthirty-eight.Hewasslowingdownjusta

little.Hewasphysicallyfit,buthewasslower.Thatmadehimaliabilityinaforwardunit.Sohewas
usuallythetacticalofficernow,theplanner.

HethoughtaboutSara’sbeautifulbreastswithatinyheadpressedagainstthem,nursing.Hethought

ofthemwithrealhunger.

Thatwaswhenherememberedwhathe’ddonewithSara,andwhattheresultcouldbe.Butheputit

outofhismind.Itwasn’tlikely.Besides,hecouldn’tthinkaboutasharedfutureuntilhedealtwiththe
present,andhecouldn’tafforddistractions.Hewasgoingtohavetolaysomefalsetrails,toconvince
Yserathathewasreallyplayingthefield.

Hepickedupthephoneandcalledthefirstnumberonhiscontactslist.

CHAPTERTEN

W

OLF

HAD

SAID

thathewasgoingtobreakallcontactwithSaraforseveralweeks,whilehemadesure

thatshewasn’ttargetedbyYsera.Despitethepainofnotseeinghim,thatwouldhavebeenallright.
Exceptthatthethirdweekaftershelefttheranch,shestartedlosingherbreakfast.

Shehadn’treallybelievedwhatWolf,andthenEmma,hadtoldher,thatpregnancycouldresult

fromintimacythatdidn’tincludegoingalltheway.Shedidn’tknowwhattodo.Soforseveraldays,
shedidnothing.

Shenoticedthatshewasfollowedeverywhereshewent.Shetriedtolimithertripstothestore,to

shopforgroceries,toonceaweek.Shehadrestaurantssendfoodtotheapartment,withoutknowing
thateverydeliveryboywasstoppedandgentlyquestionedbyherunseenbodyguards.Butshewas
nervousaboutwhattodo.

Itwouldbeimpossibleforherbodyguardsnottonoticethatshewenttoadoctor,butshecoughed

loudlyonthewaythere,hopingthey’dhearandthinkshehadacough.

Dr.Medlinwasyoungandsweet,blondeandpretty.ShehadthenursedrawbloodandleftSara

longenoughtoseeanotherpatient.Butinminutesshewasbackwiththeresults,andshewasn’t
smiling.

“Youhavedecisionstomake,”shetoldtheyoungerwoman.
Saraclosedhereyes.“I’mpregnant.”
“Yes,youare.Aboutthreeweeks,fromwhatIcantell.Now,thismightbeafalsepositive.Thatcan

happen.Buttheothersymptomsmakeitafairlysafediagnosis.Doyouwantthebaby?”

“Withallmyheart,”Saramanaged,avertinghereyes.
“Whataboutthefather?”
Shefoughtdownfear.“Hesaidhewantedtoknow,ifithappened.Hedidn’t...meanitto,”she

confessed.“Itwasaheavypettingsession.YouknowIcan’thave,well,I’vegotthatissue...”

Thedoctorputahandoverhers.“Iknow.”
“Soitdidn’tgoalltheway,but...”
“Itdoesn’thaveto.”
Saradrewinalongbreath.“Idon’tknowwhattodo.I’llhavetotellhim.Butifhewantsmetogo

toaclinic...Idon’tknowifIcan.”Herfacewastragic.“Ijustdon’tthinkIcandothat.Buthesaida
decisionthatconcernsbothpeopleshouldn’tbemadearbitrarilybyoneofthem.”

“Iagree.”ShewentonaboutprescriptionsshewasgivingSaraandwhattheywerefor,butSara

ratherblankedoutduringtheconversation.ShewasthinkingaboutherbabyandhowWolfwould
reacttothenewsthathewasgoingtobeafather.He’dneverspokenofmarriage.Hewasthirty-
seven,andhe’donlybeenseriouslyinvolved,asfarassheknew,withonewoman,withYsera.Ifhe’d
stayedsingleallthoseyears,ithadtobefromchoice.

“Sara,didyouhearme?”thedoctoraskedgently.
Sarasmiled.“Yes.Ofcourse.”Sarastaredatherhands.“CouldyoudosomethingformewhileI’m

here?”

“Certainly.What?”
Saraflushed,butshetoldher.
Thedoctoronlysmiled.“Letmecallthenursein.”

***

S

HE

BROODED

FOR

threedays.ButthenshepickeduphercellphoneandsentabrieftexttoWolf.She

wasafraidthatitwouldmakehimangry.He’dwarnedhertohavenocontactwithhim.Buthe’dalso
saidhewantedtoknow.Shecouldn’ttellhimoverthephone.Soshejustasked,

Willyoubeatthe

symphonyFridaynight?

Hetextedbackoneword,

Yes.

Hetypednothingelse.Neitherdidshe.

***

F

RIDAY

NIGHT

,

SHE

putonanewblackeveninggown,onethathadalittleextrafullnessinthebelly,

becausetherewasnewtautnessthere,aslightriseintheflesh.Shelookedradiant.Hereyeswerewide
andsoft,herfacemorebeautifulthanever.Herskinwasextraordinarilyclearandbright.

Shesmiledatherreflection.Thedrapeofthegownleftjusttheslopesofherbreastsbare.Itfellto

herankles,cutlowinback,withwidestrapsandnosleeves.Shepaireditwithdiamond-and-emerald
dropearrings,anemeraldnecklacethatmatchedandanemerald-and-diamonddinnerring.She
lookedexpensive,beautifulandhappy.

Shethoughtoftheeveningahead.WhenWolfsawher,hisresolutiontokeepheratarm’slength

mightgointoeclipse.Hemightoffertotakeherhome.Sheflushed,thinkingaboutwhatcould
happenthen.Shecouldtellhimmuchmoreeasilyifhewaskissingher.Sherecalledthefeelofhis
mouth,andsheflushedevenmore.

Itwasgoingtobe,shedecided,thehappiestnightofherlife.Wolfwouldwantthebaby.Shewas

certainofit.

***

S

HE

HIRED

A

limousinefortheevening.Thedriver,knowntoher,easedherintothebackseatand

drovehertothesymphony.TheorchestrawouldbeplayingBeethoven,notoneofherfavorite
composers.Butthen,shewasn’treallygoingtohearit.ShewasgoingtoseeWolf,forthefirsttime
inweeks.EvenMichelle’scollegegraduationhadn’tmadeherthishappy.

Shewasnervous,butitdidn’tshow.Shespoketopeoplesheknewonthewaydowntheaisle.But

hereyesachedforoneparticularsight,foratall,handsomemaninaneveningjacket,amanwith
blackhairandArctic-blueeyes.

Shewenttoherreservedseatandslidintoit.Sheheardtheorchestraalreadytuningup.She

grimaced.She’dhopedtohavetimeforawordwithhim,butitwasgoingtobetoolateifhedidn’t
hurry.He’dtoldherhe’dbehere.Butwhatifhedidn’tshowup?

Justthenshesawamovementtoherside.Sheturned,andtherehewas,sohandsomethatherheart

twistedinherchest.Hehadabeautifulblondewomaninawhitesatingownbyhisside.Hewas
kissingher,laughing.Shewasholdingontohimasifheheldthekeystoparadise.

Sara,soconfidentminutesbefore,feltherbodygorigidwiththebeginningsofgrief.
Wolfsawherandschooledhisfacetoshownothing.Ebhadphonedearlier.Yserahadsomeone

workingbackstage.Themanwouldbewatching.Wolfhadtoputonagoodact,toprotectSara.Itwas
goingtohurther.Heknewthat,andithurthim.Butherlifemightdependonhisabilitytoact.He’d
takenaprocessionofgorgeouswomentoeventslikethisoverthepastfewweeks,tothrowYsera’s
spiesoffthetrack.Hehadtokeepitup.Hecouldn’tputSaraindanger,evenifitmeantsnubbingher.

“MissBrandon,”hesaidwithinvoluntarycarelessness,asifshewereonlyanacquaintance.

“Cherry,thisisSaraBrandon.Herbrotherismybestfriend.”

“Sohappytomeetyou,”Cherrygushed.“Whatalovelygown!”
“Notaslovelyasyours,”Sarasaid,hidinghergrief.
“Iloveclothes.”Theotherwomanlaughed.“EspeciallyIlovewearingthemforhim.”Shelooked

upatWolfwithherheartinhereyes.

“Helovesit,too.”Hechuckled,andbenttokissher.
TheysatdownbesideSara,whowastwistinghertheaterprogramintoarope.Sheavertedhereyes

tothestageandthankedGodthatthecurtainwasgoingup.

***

S

HE

NEVER

KNEW

,later,howshemanagedtogetthroughtheevening.Wolfwasverypolite,butitwas

asifthey’dnevertalked,neverkissed,neverbeenintimate.Shehadhisbabyunderherheart,andshe
couldnevertellhim.Notnow.

Theconcertconcluded.Saradidn’tevenrememberwhichofBeethoven’ssymphoniesitwas.She

feltasifthiswasadream,asifshewasn’tevenreallyhere.

“Wasn’titlovely?”Cherryenthused.“Suchgorgeousmusic!”
“Yes,”Sarachokedout.“Lovely.”
“IhopeI’llseeyouagainsometime,MissBrandon.”
“Me,too.”
“Goodevening,MissBrandon,”Wolfsaidwithoutmeetinghereyes,andjustafaintsmileonhis

hardlips.“Let’sgohome,”hetoldCherry.“It’slate.”

“Oh,yes,isn’tit?”CherryrepliedandgiggledasshepressedclosetoWolf’sside.
BehindhimSarastoodlikeanelegantstatue,herheartbreakinginsideher,asmileplasteredtoher

face.

Atthedoorway,Wolflookedbackather.Hehadtodraghiseyesawayandhardenhisheart.Ifhe

didwhathefeltlike,gatheredherupinhisarmsandkissedheruntilthehurtleftherbeautifulface,
he’dputherinthebull’s-eyethathewasalreadywearing.Heleftthetheatersmiling,withhisheart
breakinginhischest.He’dhurthersomuchalready.Thiswasalmostunbearable!

Sarawentbacktoherapartmentandcriedherselftosleep.Wolfwasinvolvedwithanotherwoman.

Hewasveryinvolved.Hedidn’twantSara.Hecouldn’tpossiblyhavemadethatmoreevident.

Shegotupintheweehoursofthemorningandturnedonhercomputer.Theminutesheloggedon,

Rednachtwhisperedher.

Badnight?

heasked.

Theworstofmyentirelife,

sheconfided.

Jointheclub,

hetyped.

Shewantedtospillherheartout,totellhimwhathadhappened,tocryonhisshoulder.Buthewasa

strangerandshewastooshy,evenwithhim,totalkaboutwhathadhappened.

Love,

shetyped,

isthemostterribleemotionmaneverdiscovered.

Youcantakethattothebank,

hetypedback.Therewasahesitation.

Someonehurtyou.

Yes.

Ihurtsomeone,

hetypedbackslowly.

SomeoneIcareabout.BecauseIhadto.BecauseIcared.

Thatdidn’tmakesense.

Why?

Iputherindanger,justbybeingseenwithher.

Sherecalledthathewasinlawenforcement.He’devensaidthathehadenemies.

Becauseofyour

job,

sheguessed.

Yes.

Doessheknow?

Ican’ttellher,

hereplied.Hehesitated.

Battlegroundordungeon?

headded.

Ifeellike

killingsomething.

Shelaughedtoherself.

SodoI,

sheconfessed.

Battleground,

shesaid.

Higherbodycount,

sheadded,

anda

lol.

Helaughedback.

Groupwithme.I’llqueueus.

Shedid,thinkinghowgranditwastohaveatleastonefriendintheworldwhomshecouldtalkto,

inasense.Hehadawomaninhislife.Thatmadeherfeelbetter,becauseshedidn’treallywanttoget
involvedwithastrangeronline.Sadly,themanshewanteddidn’twanther.Itwasaparticularlybad
timetodiscoverit,too.

***

S

HE

WALKED

TO

aclinicthatwastwoblocksfromherapartment.Shewentinandoutofstores,even

tookataxicabforablock,tothrowherescortsoffthetrack.Shedidn’twantthistogetbacktoWolf.
Itwouldhurthim,becauseheknewhersowell.Evenifhedidn’twantthebaby,andhowcouldhe
withhisbeautifulblondecompanion,hewouldfeelbadthatSarahadbeenforcedtogotosuch
lengths.Butshewoulddowhatshehadtodo.Shewasstrong.Shecouldmanageit.

Atleast,shethoughtshecould,untilshewasinside,fillingoutthepaperwork.Andrightinthe

middleofit,sheburstintotears.

Theclerkpattedherhand.“Honey,you’renotreadyforthis,”shesaidgently.“Yougohomeand

thinkaboutitforanotherdayortwo,okay?Thenifyoureallywanttodoit,youcomeback.”

Saralookedintothesympatheticblackeyes.“Thanks.”
Thewomansmiled.“You’rewelcome.”
Saragotupandwalkedout,tearsstillrollingdownhercheeks.Shedidn’trealizethatshewas

beingseen.Herescortsweren’tsoeasytolose.

***

S

ARA

ADVERTISED

ONLINE

,atatrustedsource,forsomeonetostaywithher.Gabrielhadsuggestedit,

becauseheworriedaboutherbeingbyherself,nowthatMichellehadanapartmentofherown.She
wasalone,andMichellewassoinvolvedinhernewjobasareporterforaSanAntonionewspaper
thatshewasn’treallyavailable.Besides,Saradidn’twanthertoknowaboutthebaby.Itwouldn’tbe
longbeforeshestartedshowing.

Shehadplans,though.ShewasgoingtogototheranchinCatelow,Wyoming.Itwouldberemote,

butshehadhelpthere,goodhelp.Oneofherheadwranglerswasex-FBI.Anotherwasaformer
policemanfromBillings,Montana.Nobodywouldthreatenher;she’dbesafe.Andtherewouldbe
littlechancethatshe’deverrunintoWoffordPatterson,whichwastherealdraw.OfcourseWolfdid
havearanchhimselfinWyoming,anditwasveryneartheBrandons’.Butinrecentmonths,hehadn’t
visitedit.SheknewthatfromGabriel.Besides,withhisbeautifulblondegirlfriend,hewasn’tlikelyto
straysofar.

Shecouldn’tgiveupherchild.Shewasn’tgoingto.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,she’dhave

someonetoloveher.She’dhaveababyofherveryown.Thethoughtmadeherwarminside.IfWolf
foundoutsomeday,she’ddealwithit.Rightnowshehadotherthingstoorganize.

Dr.MedlinhadafriendinSheridanwhowasanobstetrician.ShegaveSarahisofficenumberand

spoketothedoctorforher,tomakesureshecouldfitintohisscheduleasapatient.Hewasfinewith
that.

SomeonehadansweredtheadSaraplacedforacompaniononlineminutesaftersheplacedit.The

womanhadagreedtocomethismorning.Sowhenthedoorbellrang,Sarawenttoansweritwith
vaguemisgivings.Itwasabigstep,toshareherlifewithatotalstranger.Shehopedthewoman
wouldn’tbeakook.

Sheopenedthedoor,herthoughtsfullofthebaby,andmetapairofdarkbrowneyesinaframeof

paleblondhairgatheredintoatightbun.Thewomanwasinhertwenties,probablymid-twentiesfrom
thelookofher.Shedidn’tsmile.Hermouthwaspretty,butitmadeastraightline.Herposturewas
absolutelyrigid.

“Miss...”Shelookedatthecardinherhand.“MissBrandon?I’mAmeliaGrayson.”
“I’mhappytomeetyou,MissGrayson.Pleasecomein.”
Thewomanmarchedintothelivingroomandtookastraightchair.Shesatverystraight,staringat

Sara.“Whatexactlydoyourequire?”

“Acompanion,”Sarasaidheavily.
“Forwhat?”cametheslow,suspiciousreply.
Sarasawwhatshewasthinkingandburstoutlaughing.“No,notthat.I’msorry.Ineedsomeoneto

keepmecompanyonaranchinWyoming,”shesaid.“It’smostlymen,yousee.”Shegrimaced.“I,
sortof,haveahardtimewithmen.”

Theotherwomanrelaxed.Well,alittle.“SodoI,”shesaidstiffly.“Whatsortofchoreswouldbe

expected?”

“I’lldothecooking,”Sarasaid.“I’magourmetchef.ButI’llneedhelpwithhousework.Ihavea

dishwasher,alltheusualappliances.You’dhaveSaturdayeveningsandSundaysoff.AndIpayquite
well.”Shenamedafigurethathadtheotherwoman’sjawdropping.

“MissGrayson?”Saraprompted.
Thejawclosed.“ThelastplaceIworked,”shesaidslowly,“Iwasexpectedtodocookingand

cleaningandbabysitfourchildren,washthecar,walkfourdogsandIgotSundaynightoff.Theypaid
meaboutone-fifthofthefigureyoujustquoted.”Shecolored.

“GoodLord!”Saraexploded.
MissGraysonwaslessstiff.“Shallwecallitaprobationaryperiod,foramonth,toseeifwesuit

eachother?”

Sarasmiled.“Done.Youcanmoveintodayifyoulike.”
“I’lllivehere?IhadaseparateapartmentwhereIcamefrom...”
“MissGrayson,you’vebeenverybadlytreatedbysomeone,”Sarasaidshortly.“Butyou’regoing

tobemytreasure.Ofcourseyou’lllivehere.You’llhaveinsuranceandbenefits,aswell...Miss
Grayson!”

Theotherwomanwascrying.Shepulledatissuefromherpurseanddabbedathereyes.“Sorry,”

shesaidabruptly.“Somethinginmyeye.”ShelookedatSaraanddaredhertocomment.

Sarasmiled.“We’regoingtoworkwelltogether.Quitewell.Nowletmeshowyoutoyourroom!”

***

G

RAYSON

WASN

’

T

ONLY

atreasure,shewasatirelessworker.Shecoulddothebooks,sheknewhowto

sewandknitandcrochet,andshewasanongoinghandbookforthemilitary,ofallthings.Butwhen
Saraaskedifshe’deverbeeninthemilitary,theotherwomanjustlaughedanddeniedit.

She’dworkedforseveralfamiliesinthepastfouryearssincegraduatingfromcollege,witha

degreein,ofallthings,chemistry.Shehadanincrediblebrain.Sarawassurprisedthatawomanof
suchintelligencewouldbewillingtoconfineherselftomenialtasksworkingasadomestic.Butshe
didn’tpry.Itwasearlydaysyet.Sarawasalreadydelightedwithher.Shedidn’twanttorisklosingher
bydiggingintoherprivatelife.

***

T

HE

W

YOMING

RANCH

washuge.Itcoveredhundredsofacresofland,adjoininganationalforest.The

ranchranpurebredBlackAnguscattleandasmallstockofhorses,mostlyaremudafromwhichthe
cowboyschosetheirworkingmounts.Sarahadahorseofherown,abeautifulAppaloosamare,
snow-whitewithbrownhailstone-patternedmarkingsonherflanks.Shewascalled“Snow,”andSara
lovedherdearly.Hergreatestsadnesswasthatshewasafraidtogoriding,inhercondition.

Grayson,fortunately,didn’tknowaboutthebaby.Shekepthersecret.She’dnoticedthatGrayson

hadaBibleandreaditatnightwhileSarawatchedmoviesontheBlu-rayplayer.Areligiousperson
mightfindhercondition,outofwedlock,distasteful.Shewasreluctanttooffendawomanwhowas
quicklybecomingindispensable.

***

T

HE

NIGHTMARES

HAD

recededforatime.ButbackinWyoming,theyreturnedwithavengeance.She

satupinbed,havingscreamedherselfawake,drenchedwithsweatandcrying.

Graysoncamerunning,inalonggownandanequallylongrobe,bothofserviceablecotton.
“MissBrandon,whatisit?”sheexclaimed.Herlonghairwasescapingfromitsbun.Shelooked

veryunliketheprim,sedateyoungwomanSarahadcometoknow.

“Night...mare,”Sarachokedout.Sheleanedherheadonherraisedknees.“Sorry.Ishouldhavetold

youthatIhavethem.”Tearsfellharder.

“I’llberightback,”Graysonsaid.
Shereturnedaminutelaterwithawetwashcloth,satdownbesideSaraandproceededtomopup

herface.“Iputonsomechamomiletea,”shesaidgently.“Comeintothekitchen.”

Saraslidintoarobethatmatchedhercottonjerseypajamasandwentalmoststumblingbehind

Graysonintothekitchen.Shesatdownatthetable.Forsomereason,thistimeWolfhadbeeninthe
dream.He’dbeeninsomedark,dangerousplace.Shedidn’tremembermuchofit,buttherehadbeen
blood.Somuchblood...!

“Here.”Graysonputacupofteainfrontofher.“Youdrinkthat.Itwillhelpcalmyou.”
“Thanks,MissGrayson,”Sarasaidhuskily.Shebitherlip.“I’msorry...”
“Everybodyhasnightmares,”theotherwomansaidgently.
Sarasmiledsadly.“Notlikemine,I’mafraid.”
“Somethingbadhappenedtoyou,”wasthesurprisingreply.
Sara’seyescameup,shocked.
Graysonnodded.“Whenyouwereachild?”
Sarabitherlowerlip.
“Youdon’thavetotalktomeaboutit.Butyoushouldtalktosomeone.”

Saralaughedsoftly.“Ihaveapsychologist.WehavesessionsonSkype.”Herblackeyesgleamed

withfainthumor.“Shekeepssnakes.”

Graysonfrowned.“EmmaCain?”
Saragasped.“Howintheworld...?”
“Don’task.Iwon’ttellyou.”
Saraopenedhermouthandthenclosedit.
“That’sright,fightthoseimpulses,”Graysonsaidwithahintofhumor.“Idon’ttalkaboutmypast,

either.”

Sarawasintrigued.Hereyebrowsarched.
“Shame,shameonyouforthinkingthingslikethat!”theotherwomansaidtartly.“Youshouldhave

yourbrainwashedoutwithsoap!”

Saraburstoutlaughing.
Graysonactuallygrinned.“That’sallbetter.”
Sarasighedandshookherhead.“Grayson,you’rethebestideaIeverhadinmylife.Andifyou

evertrytoquit,I’llhaveMarsdentrackyoudownandbringyourightback.”

“Marsden?”
“He’saformerFBIagent.Ourforemanhere.”
“Oh,thattallman.He’snice.”
“Very.”Sarasippedhertea.Shewasfeelingalittlequeasy,buttheliquidreallywascalming.“This

isgood.”

“Ilikeherbalteas.Youdrinktoomuchcoffee,”shesaidgently.
“It’sdecaf,”Sarasaid.“Ijustmakeitstrong.Ican’tgiveitupentirely.”
“Ihadto,”Graysonsaidsadly.“Imissit.”
“Youcouldhavedecaf.”
“Itwouldbelikeeatingsteakthroughastraw.”
Saralaughedagain.“Okay,Igiveup.”
“Goodthing.Ialmostneverloseabattle.”Sheleanedbackinherchairandsighed.“I’msoglad

youwantedtomoveuphereinsteadofdowntoComancheWells,”shesaidconversationally.

“Buttheranchthereisjustlikethisone,”shebegan,puzzled.
“HelivesinComancheWells,”shesaidthroughherteeth.
“He?”
“AmanI...know,”shefaltered.“I’mnevergoingbackthere.”
Sarafeltsympathypains.ShethoughtofWolf’shugeranch,andthejoyshe’dfeltatbeingwith

him,despitethetroublingintimatememoriesshesharedwithhim.Hehadn’tcalledaftertheopera.
She’dhopedthathemightcall,ortext,ortellheritwasamistake,hedidn’tcareabouthisgorgeous
companion.Butthatwasstupid.Itwaspainfullyobviousthathedidn’twantSara.Shehadtolearnto
acceptit.

“Don’tworry,”Sarasaidgently.“Idon’teverwanttogobacktoComancheWells,either.”
Graysonlookedatherevenly.
“Forthesamereasonyouhave,”shesaidstiffly.
“Oh.”Graysonsippedherowntea.Shelookedthoughtful.Butafteraminute,herfacebecame

placidagain.“Thinkyoucansleepnow?”

Sarasmileddrowsily.“Ithinkso.Thanks,Grayson.Thanksverymuch.”
“Itwasnotroubleatall,”shereplied.

***

“Y

OU

CAN

’

T

DO

THIS

,”EbScottraged.“You’llbewalkingheadfirstintoatrapifyougonearher,

don’tyouknowthat?”

Thetallmanwithblueeyeswasn’tlistening.Hewasassemblinghisgear,puttingonclothesthat

wouldalertanyintelligentviewerthathewashighlyinvolvedinblackops.Blackclothing,Velcro
holsterthatstrappedaroundonepowerfulthigh,automaticweapons,leathergloves,combatboots.He
lookedprofessional.Whichhewas.

HeturnedtoEbScott.“Ihavenothinglefttolivefor,”hesaidbluntly.“She’sdestroyedmylife,any

chanceImighthavehadforhappiness.She’soutthere,rightnow,plottingtotakeotherlives.I’m
goingtogiveherachanceatme,tobringheroutintotheopen.I’vecalledinmarkersfromthree
nations.I’llhaveallthebackupIcanget,includingacoupleofcovertfederalagenciesthatIwon’t
eventellyouabout.Ifshekillsme,sowhat?”headdedshortly.“Itwilljuststopthepain.”

Ebgrimaced.“Listen,Iknowyoudidn’twanttoputSaraonthefiringline.Youcantellherwhen

we’vegotYseraincustody...”

“ShewillneverspeaktomeagainaslongasIlive,”hesaidinahauntedtone.Hiseyesweresofull

ofpainthatEbcouldn’tevenmeetthem.

“Youdon’tknowthat.”
“Ido.”
“How?Youhaven’thadanycontactwithher...”
“YourmenkeptawrittenrecordofhermovementsuntilshewenttoWyoming,theweekafterIsaw

heratthesymphonyconcert,”hesaidquietly.“Ireadit.”

“So?”
Wolflookeddownathisunzippedkitwitheyesthatdidn’tsee.“Shewenttoaclinic,Eb,”hesaidin

avoiceascoldasdeath.“IwasmakinguptothewomanIwaswith.Saradidn’tknowwhy,andI
couldn’ttellher.ShethoughtIdidn’twantheranymore,thatababywouldcomplicateeverything.So
shewenttoa...clinic.”Hehadtostop.Hisvoicebroke.Hedashedatawetnessinhiseyesthathe
hadn’tfeltinyears.

“Oh,God,I’msorry!”Ebgroaned.
“Itwillhurtherevenmore,tohavedonethat.Andshewascarryingenoughscarsalready,fromher

past.”

“Thebabywasyours?”Ebaskedslowly.
Wolf’seyeswentdangerous.Hemovedclosertotheotherman.“Whatthehellkindofwomando

youthinkSarais?Ofcourseitwasmine!”

Hewassorryaboutthebaby.FromwhatheknewaboutSara,shecouldn’tevenswatafly.Whatit

woulddotoheremotionswasunthinkable.

“Sorry,”Ebsaidgently.
Wolfbackeddown.“Same,”Wolfrepliedtersely.“This,allofthis,fromthewayI’vebeenfor

yearstoSara’stermination,wasYsera’sfault.”Hiseyesgrewcold.Ice-cold.HeturnedtoEb.“She’s
goingtopayforwhatshedid.I’mgoingtomakesureofit.”

Heturnedandzippedupthebag.

***

“W

HAT

THE

HELL

isgoingon?”Gabrielasked,aghastatWolf’sunexpectedpresenceinhiscamp.

“You’reretired!”

“Notanymore,”Wolfsaid.Helookeddifferent.Hewasdifferent.Therancherwhoteasedhissister

unmercifully,madehermadandlaughed,wasgone.Inhisplacewasthiscold-eyedmercenary,the
manWolfhadbeenwhenGabrielfirstmethim.

“Sarawon’ttellmeanything,”Gabrielpersisted.“She’sgonetoliveontheranchinWyoming,for

God’ssake.Saratalkedtome,butunderittherewasaterriblesadness...”

“Don’t,”Wolfsaidhuskily,andavertedhiseyes.
“Allright.Let’shaveit!”Gabrielgotrightinhisface.“Now!”
Theothermandidn’tevenreact.“You’rethebestfriendIhaveintheworld.Thisisgoingtohurt

you.”

“Tellme!”
Wolflookeddownathiscombatboots.“Idon’tknowhow.”
“You’vehurther.”
Wolfnodded.Hedrewinabreath.“Yes,”hesaid,loweringhiseyes.Heclosedhiseyesand

shuddered.“SheaskedmeifIwasgoingtotheBeethovenconcert,inatext,andItoldherIwas.She
looked...likeanangel,sobeautifulthatshealmostblindedme.Iwastherewithacompanion,ablonde
womanI’ddated.Iwasmakinguptoher,pretendingIcaredabouther...”

“Youwhat?”Gabrielexploded.
“Yserahadsomeoneinthetheater,”hecontinued,blindtotheotherman’ssuddenstillness.“I

couldn’tputSaraindanger.Ididn’tdarepayheranyattention,showintheleastwaythatI...SoI
ignoredher,treatedherlikeanacquaintance.”Heclosedhiseyesandshivered.“Ihurthersobadly.I
couldn’teventellherwhy.Icouldn’ttalktoher,contacther,withoutgivingYseraasecondtarget.”
Hecouldn’tlookatGabriel.“SarathoughtI’dturnedmybackonher.Sothenextmorning...”Hehad
tostopbeforehecouldfinishit.“Shewenttoa...clinic.”

Gabrielstaredathim.“Aclinic?”HesuddenlyrealizedwhatWolfwassaying.Hismindalmost

explodedwiththerealizationthathissister,whocouldn’ttolerateaman’slightesttouch,hadbecome
pregnantbyhisbestfriend.“Aclinic?”

Wolfnodded.Hiseyeshadafinemist.Heturnedhishead.Hisfacewaspale,tormented.“Shecan’t

hurtanything,”hesaiddully.“Notanything.Todothat,tohaveitonherconscience...”Heturnedback
tohisfriend.“Shootme,”hesaid.“Itwouldbeamercy.”

“DearGod.”Gabrielsawitall,sawwhattheothermanfelt,sawwhatSarafelt.“DearGod,”he

repeated,almostreverently.“Shelovesyou,”hesaidslowly.

“Iknow,”theothermansaidinastrangledtone.Heavertedhiseyes.Hishighcheekboneswere

flushed.“Ihadplans.Allsortsofplans.AndthenYseradecidedtogeteven.ItoldSarathatIwouldn’t
beabletocontactherforafewweeks.SheknewaboutYsera.Butshedidn’tknowwhatIwasgoingto
havetodotoprotecther.ThatIwasgoingtohavetobeseenwithaparadeofwomen,sothatYsera
didn’trealizetherewasonethatIcouldn’t...livewithout.”Hiseyesclosed.“Sarahadmybabyunder
herheart,andshethoughtIwasinvolvedwithsomeoneelse,thatIdidn’twanther.Shethought...the
babywouldbeinmyway.Ican’t...livewithit!”

“God,I’msorry,”Gabrielsaidheavily.
Wolfstraightened,hiseyesterribletolookinto.“No.I’msorry,forthemessImadeofherlife.”

Hetookaminutetogethisemotionsbackundercontrol.“Tomycredit,Ididgetherintotherapy.”

“Therapy?Sara?Youdid?How?”Gabrielasked,aghast.He’dtriedforyearstoaccomplishthat.
“YourememberEmmaCain?”
Gabrielshuddered.“Shekeepssnakes.”

Wolfnodded.“Butshe’sgoodatherjob.AstohowIgotSaratodoit,I...talkedtoCain,too.”
Gabrielwasstunned.“Younever...”
“Ineverwouldagreetoit,”hesaid,nodding.“ButSaraandI,well...”Hepaused.Hecouldn’ttalk

aboutittohisbestfriend,notwhenitwasaboutGabriel’ssister.Hecolored.“Wesortofhadan
encounter.Sortof.Thereshouldn’thavebeenababy.Buttherewas.”

Gabrielreadbetweenthelines.“Sarahadtoloveyou,forthattohappen...”
“Yes.”Heloweredhisheadwithanunsteadyintakeofbreath.“Shemustbeinhellnow,becauseof

me.Ihatehavingheralone...!”

“Sheisn’t,”Gabrielsaid.“Sheadvertisedforacompanionwhenshewentuptotheranch,soIhad

madesurethatthewomanshehiredwassomeoneItrusttotakecareofher.She’llbeallright.”

“Someoneyouknow?”
“Nevermindwho.IwouldcallSara,”Gabrielsaid,miserable,“butwe’vegotorderstomaintain

radiosilence.Ican’teventellherwhereIamorwhat’sgoingon.”

Wolf’sfacewaslikestone.“YseraisthereasonSarawenttotheclinic.ShemademehurtSara,in

ordertoprotecther.Shecostmeourchild.AndI’mgoingtomakeherpayforit,ifit’sthelastthingI
everdointhislife!”

“YoucareaboutSara,”Gabrielsaidslowly.
“Care!”Helaughedhollowly.“MyGod!”Hisfacewasastudyinanguish.Hedrewinanother

breath.“Ineedafewthings,”hesaidafteraminute,tryingtoerasethepainfromhishardfeatures.

ButGabrielsaw.Heunderstood.Heputabighandontheotherman’sshoulder.“Whateveryou

need.I’llgetit.”

“Thanks.”
“She’llgetoverit,”Gabrielsaidhaltingly.“Whensheknowsthetruth,she’llgetoverit.”
Wolflookedhimrightintheeye.“No,”hesaid.“Shewon’t.”

***

Y

SERA

HAD

BOUGHT

anightclub,rightinthemarketplace.CalledElMaroc,itfeaturedauthentic

MoroccandishesandithadbellydancersimportedfromSpain,becausenodecentArabwoman
woulddreamofshowingherbodytomen.Buttherealpurposeoftheestablishmentwasacoverfor
whatwentoninside.Itwasadenforthieveswhodealtinkidnapping,prostitution,drugsandworse.

Wolflookedaroundwithcold,paleeyes.Hehada.45automatichiddeninaholsterundertheblack

jackethewaswearing.HehadaKa-Barinasheathonhisbelt,ahideguninabigboot.Hewasready
foranythingshecouldthrowathim.

Intheshadowsherecognizedacontact,afedwhoworkedinblackopsintheregion.Hepretended

nottoseetheman,whoreturnedthefavor.

Hewalkedslowlydowntheaisleandseatedhimselfatatableneartheopenareawherethebelly

dancersweredoingtheirthingtotherhythmofanimportedMoroccanband.Heorderedawhiskey
andsettledbacktowatchthedancers.Heknewwithoutbeingtoldthathewasalsobeingwatched,by
thenot-so-concealedsurveillancecamerasmountedneartheceiling.

Sureenough,he’dhadjustonesipofthedrinkwhenhecaughtawhiffofaveryfamiliarperfume.
Heturnedhishead,justbarely,andatallbrunettewearingaslinkyblackdress,drippingwith

diamonds,cametowardhim.Herlongblackhairwasflowingdownherback.Herblackeyeswere
amused,asthey’dalwaysbeenamusedeverytimeshelookedathim.Undertheamusementwasutter
contempt.

“Hello,Ysera,”hesaidinaconversationaltone.

CHAPTERELEVEN

S

ARA

DROVE

HERSELF

totheobstetrician’soffice,havingliedtoGraysonaboutneedingafewthings

fromtownandjustwantingtogetsomefreshair.Itwasspring,andeverythingwasbloomingand
beautiful.

Dr.Hansenwastallandlanky,withaneasysmileandagoodpersonality.Heexaminedherwhile

thenursestoodby.Hepokedandprodded,frownedandthenorderedlabwork.Whenhecameback,
hewasfrowning.

“Oh,please,therecan’tbeanythingwrongwithmybaby,”shecried.
“No,no,thebabyisfine!”hesaidatonce.
“ThankGod!”
“There’saslightproblem.It’snothingmajor.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youhaveaheartcondition.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“It’snotabadone.It’sabirthdefect...”
“Wolff-Parkinson-WhiteSyndrome,”hesaid,nodding.“Itshouldn’tcauseproblems,butitcan.

Youhavetobemonitored.Iwanttosendyoutoalocalcardiologist,justtomakesuretherearen’t
anycomplicationswhenyoudeliver.”

“Okay,”shesaid.
“Hecantalktoyouaboutthehypertension,aswell.”
“Allright.”Shewaspuzzled.Dr.Medlinhadmentionedthatterm.“It’ssomethingtodowithstress,

yes?”

“Itcanbe.Justkeeptakingthetablets,”hesaid,grinning,assumingthatDr.Medlinwouldhavetold

herallaboutthehypertension.“Nothingtoworryaboutthere.Honest.”

Shewasrelieved.Sheheldasofthandoverherbelly.Shedidn’tevenshowyet.Thathardlittle

lump,however,wasbelovedtoher.

“Youreallywantthischild,”hesaid,fascinated.
“Morethananythingintheworld.”
Hehesitated.“Doesthefatherknow?”
Shepaused.Sheshookherhead.“Hedoesn’twantme.I...can’ttellhim.Iwill,”shepromised.“I’ll

haveto.Butnotrightnow.Okay?”

“Idon’tpry,”hesaid.“Butamanhasarighttoknow.”
Shenodded.“Iagree.”
Hesmiled.“Okay,then.Joanwillmaketheappointmentforyouandcalltotellyouwhenitis.I’ll

wanttoseeyouagaininaboutamonth.”

“Thanks,”shesaid.
“Allinaday’swork.”Hechuckled.

***

W

OLF

GLARED

INTO

Ysera’seyesassheslidalong-fingeredhandacrossthetableandteasinglydrewit

overthebackofhishand.

Hedidn’tmoveit,asheoncemighthavedonebecauseshearousedhimthatwayinthepast.Hejust

lookedather.

Shewasstartled.Butshehiditquickly.“I’msurprisedtoseeyouhere,”shesaid.Hersmileturned

topuresarcasm.“Wasn’tdestroyingmybusinessrevengeenoughforyou?Haveyoucometopayme

back?Idon’tseewhy.AllIdidwasteachyoupleasure,”shepurred.

“No.Youtaughtmesubjugationandhumiliation,”hereturnedblandly.“Iwasagoodstudent.”
“Youwantedmemorethananyother.”Shelaughed.“Oncewediditonthefloorofthebar,behind

thecounter,withpeopleallaroundbecauseyoucouldn’twait.”

Thehumiliationofthatencountermadehimsick.Buthedidn’treact.Thiswasanotherwayshe’d

controlledhim,withembarrassingmemories.Hejuststaredather.

“You’re...different,”shesaidslowly.Herdarkeyesnarrowed,andshesmiledwithvengeance.“I

knewtherehadtobeawoman,somewhere.I’vegotmendigging.They’llfindoutwhosheis.When
theydo—”sheleanedforward,almostpurring“—I’llkillher,lover.I’llhavethemrapeher...”

“Youaren’tkillinganyone.Everagain.”Hecockedthepistolunderthetable.Hissmilewassocold

thatsheshivered.

Shehadn’tseenthatcoming.Shewouldneverhaveexpecteditofheroldlover.Shelookedaround.
“Yourmenarebeingroundedupaswespeak,”hesaid,stillsmiling.“Yourrecordshavebeen

confiscatedbytheappropriateagency,yourbusinessassociatesarebeingquestioned.Andyouare
headedforaverylongprisonsentence,ifnotcapitalmurdercharges.”

“You’llgodownwithme!”shesaidfuriously.“Youkilledthatmanandhisfamily...!”
“Sentbyyou,onatip,”hesaid.“Theincidentwasinvestigated,andmymenandIwerecleared.But

youweren’t.It’swhyyouran.Butyournumber ’sup,honey,”headded.“Youaren’trunning.Never
again.”

“Letthemarrestme,”shesaidangrily,reachingintoherpocketunobtrusively.Shepushedabutton

andprayedthatitwouldwork,thatthemanwhoheldthereceiverwasn’tyetincustody.“Icanwork
fromprison,”shesaid.Shesmiled.“Icanfindyourwomanandhaveherkilled,fromthedeepest,
darkestjailcelltheycanputmein!You’llneverbesafe!She’llneverbesafe!”

Whileshewasragingathim,amanduckedoutfrombehindacurtainandtookaim.
Wolfsawtheintent,thetriumphinhereyes,asplitsecondtoolatetosavehimself.Butevenasthe

bulletsangthroughhischestfrombehind,hisfingeronthetrigger,thesafetyoff,hesentanother
bulletunderthetable,rightintoYsera’sbody.Ashelostconsciousness,hesawtheuttershockinher
eyesandthetiniesttrailofbloodrunningoutofherperfectredlips...

***

S

ARA

DROVE

BACK

towardthehouse,butshewasunsettledbyDr.Hansenwantingtosendhertoa

cardiologist.Surelyhedidn’tthinkherlittleheartdefectwouldbedangeroustothebaby?Andwhat
hadhesaidabouthypertension?Sheknewshe’dbeenunderalotofstresslately,somaybethatwas
thereasonforthecapsuleshe’dprescribed.Stresscouldcausealotofproblems.

Shetouchedherbelly,smilingtoherselfasshedrove.Thebabywouldbefine.Itonlyhurtthatshe

couldn’ttellWolf.Buthedidn’twanther.He’dmadethatperfectlyclear.Ababywouldonly
complicatehislife,soitwasbettertosaynothing.

Shewassobusywithherthoughtsthatshemissedherturn.Insteadofgoingtoherranch,shewas

ontheroadtoRanchoReal.ItbelongedtotheKirkbrothers,MalloryandDaltonandCane.But
Mallory’swifewasherfriend.SheandMorieBranntKirkhadbeenfriendsformanyyears,having
metatasocietyfunctioninSanAntoniowhenMoriewasstilllivinginBranntvillewithherfather,
motherandbrother.

Sarasmiled,rememberingthatMoriehadbeenatirelessworkerwhenitcametothehugeranch

salesthatKingBranntwasfamousfor.HeranpurebredSantaGertrudiscattle,andhisyoungbull

cropwassoldouteverysingleyear.Infact,theKirkshadpurchasedanewseedbullfromhimovera
yearago.

IthadbeenarockyroadtothealtarforMorieandherhusband,MalloryKirk.Morie,sickofmen

wantingherforherfather ’smoney,hadrunawaytoWyomingandsignedonattheRanchoRealasa
cowgirl.Kinghadneverallowedhertobecomeinvolvedinanywaywithranchwork,soshe’d
learneditwiththehelpofDarbyHanes,theKirks’foreman.

She’dbeendoingquitewellatit,too,untilMallory’sevilgirlfriendhadplantedevidenceand

accusedherofstealingapricelessobjetd’artfromacuriocabinetintheKirkhome.

MoriehadgonehomeheartbrokenthatMalloryhadn’tbelievedherprotestationsofinnocence.
ThenMalloryhadgonetotheproductionsaleatSkylance,KingBrannt’sranchinTexas,andcome

face-to-facewithabeautifulyoungdebutantedrippingdiamonds—Morie.

KinghadalmosthadMalloryforsupper.
Moriestilllaughedwhenshetoldthestory.Mallory’sex-girlfriend,who’daccusedMorieofthe

theft,hadbeenspeechlessandterrifiedwhenshe’ddiscoveredhervictimwasn’tsomepoorcowgirl,
afterall.

ThenMallorywaskidnappedbyanescapedcriminal.Moriehadgonetosavehim,despiteprotests

fromherfather,becausesheknewthemanwho’dthreatenedhim.She’dmanagedtogetthecriminal
totellherwhereMallorywas.Ithadbeenaverybravethingtodo,butMoriehadlovedMallorytoo
muchtositbyandlethimdie.

RememberinghowKingandMalloryhadmadepeaceafterward,Sarasmiled.Fromenemiesto

goodfriends.KinghadevenbeenattheranchjustafterMorie’ssonwasborntogotroutfishingwith
Mallory.

Sarapulledupatthefrontdoorandgotout.Moriemusthaveseenherdriveup,becauseshecame

tothedoorwiththebabyinherarms,hereyeswidewithsurprisewhenshesawheroldfriend.

“Comeinandhavecoffee!”Moriesaid,huggingher.“Iwasgoingtocomeovertoseeyouina

dayortwo.Ionlyjustheardthatyouwerebackontheranch.”Thelastcommentwasalmostan
accusation.

“Sorry,Ididn’tletanyoneknowIwascoming,”Sarasaidsoftly.“I’vehad...afewproblems.”
Morieledherintothelivingroom.Mavie,thehousekeeper,washovering.
“Ihaven’tgottentoholdhimallday,”Maviecomplained.“HowaboutIgetyouandSara

somethingtoeat,andthenI’lltakethebaby.”

“That’sadeal.”Morielaughed.
Maviebroughtcoffeeandcakeonanantiquesilverservice,thentookthelittleboyinherarmsand

leftforthechild’sroom.

“She’ssuchatreasure,”Morietoldherfriend.“Idon’tknowwhatwe’ddowithouther.”
“Sheseemsverynice.”Sarasippedcoffeeandfrowned.Hereyebrowsarched.“Latte?”sheasked.

“Wheredidyougetalatte?IsthereaStarbucksnearby?”

Moriegrinned.“It’saEuropeancoffeepod.IgetthemfromGermany.Isn’titdelicious?”
“Itreallyis.Justlikegoingintoacoffeeshop.”Shesighedandsavoredthetaste.
“Ifyou’rehere,thenGabrielmustbeoverseas,”Morieremarked.
“Yes.Anotherdangerousplace,Iassume,”sheagreed.“Hecan’tlivewithouttheadrenalinerushes.

Idoworry,though.”

“Iknowyoudo.”Sheputhercupdownandstudiedherfriendclosely.“Something’swrong.”
Saramadeaface.“Youcouldalwaystell,couldn’tyou?”
“We’vebeenfriendsforalongtime.”Morieleanedforward.“Comeon.Give.”

Sarabitherlowerlip.“I’m...pregnant.”
Morie,whoknewSara’swholehistory,satwithherjawdroppedandhereyeslikeblacksaucers.

“You’re...”

“Pregnant,”Sararepeatedhelpfully.
Moriefannedherself.“Well,hemustbeonespecialman,consideringyourbackground.”
“Yes.Hewas...veryspecial.”Saraloweredhereyes.“Buthedidn’twantme.Notforkeeps.Isaw

himinSanAntonio.I’daskedifhewasgoingtobeatthesymphonyconcertthatnight.Hesaidyes.I
wasgoingtotellhimaboutthebaby.”Sheclosedhereyesandshivered.“Hewasthere—witha
gorgeousblonde.Hewasverycoolwithme,indifferent.Hewasplayinguptohiscompanionforall
hewasworth.Iknewthenthatitwasallover.”

“I’msosorry,Sara,”Moriesaidgently,placingherhandovertheotherwoman’s.
“Ithought...Well,youknow,ababyneedstwoparents,andhedidn’twantme.Ithoughtitwouldbe

forthebest...”Sheswallowed.“Iwenttoaclinic.Well,Itriedtogotoaclinic.Ijustbrokedown
completely.Theladywassosweet.ShesaidIneededtogohomeandthinkaboutitsomemore.SoI
did.”Shesmiledruefully.“Icouldn’tdoit.Maybehedoesn’twantachild,butIdo,”shesaidwith
breathlesstendernessasshesmoothedherhandoverherstomachwithatinysmile.“Iwanthimmore
thananythingintheworld.”

“Thatmanshouldbekeelhauled,”Moriebitout.
“It’snothisfault,really,”shesaid.“Youhavenoideawhathe’sbeenthroughinhislife.Itwas

muchworsethananythingI’vehadtoendure.Hedoesn’ttrustpeople.Inhisplace,Iwouldn’t,either.I
wantedtolovehim,buthewouldn’tletme.”

Morie’sdarkeyesnarrowed.“Youstilllovehim.”
Sarasmiledruefully.“Withallmyheart,”sheconfessed.“Youcan’tkilllove.I’vetried,believe

me.”

“Hemayfindout,”shesaid.
“It’snotlikely.Heandmybrotherarefriends,butGabrieldoesn’tknow.AndIcanswearhimto

secrecy.He’llbeangry,though.”

“Nodoubtaboutthat.”
Shedrewinabreathandsippedmorecoffee.“SoIdon’thavetoworryaboutbeingdiscoveredfor

awhile,anyway.Meanwhile,I’mgoingtoenjoythepeaceandquietuphere.Ihaveanobstetrician.I
alsohaveacompanion,”sheaddedwithagrin.

“Acompanion?”
Shenodded.“HernameisAmeliaGrayson.She’sasweetheart.Shetakescareofthehouseandme.

She’sbeenbadlytreatedbypeopleshe’sworkedfor,butI’mspoilingher.She’salready
indispensable.Andbesidesthat,shecancook.”Shelaughed.

“Trulyindispensable,”Morieagreed.
“Yourlittleboyisprecious.Ican’tdecideifhelooksmorelikeyouorMal.”
“Bothofus,”shesaid,hersmiledreamy.“IneverimaginedIcouldbesohappy.”Sheshookher

head.“IthoughtmyfatherwasgoingtokillMalbeforeI’deverhavethechancetomarryhim.”

“Nobodywhoknewyouwouldeverthinkyou’dstealsomething.”
“Yes,well,GellyBrunerwasveryconvincing.SheneverwantedMal,buthewaswealthyandshe

wantedtobe.”Shelaughed.“IfyoucouldhaveseenherfacewhensheandMalshowedupatthe
productionsale!Shelookedasifshe’dtriedtoswallowawatermelonwhole!”

“IimagineMallookedprettymuchthesame,”Sarasaiddrily.
“Yes,hedid.Ididn’tknowthatDadhadinvitedMaltothesale.NotuntilhewalkedinwithGelly

andmyfathermadeabeelineforUncleDannywhenhegreetedthem.ThenUncleDannymotioned
meoverwithDarryl—YourememberDarryl?”

“Ido,indeed.He’saverynice-lookingman.”
“Verysweet,too,butIdidn’treallywanttomarryhim.IwashurtingfromMal’srejection,feeling

sorryformyself,orI’dneverhaveagreedtobeengagedtohim.”

“He’llfindsomeoneoneday.”
“Someonewhodeserveshim,Ihope.”
“How’syourbrother?”
Sherolledhereyes.“Whoknows?He’shavingchickenproblems.”
Sarablinked.“Excuseme?”
“Hisnext-doorneighborhasarooster.TheroosterhatesCort.Itactuallycomesontotheranchto

attackhim.ThelastIheard,ithadrunthroughseveralcowboys,oneofwhomlandedinavery
unmentionablysmellysubstance.AndthenitchasedCortcleanupontotheporch.Hetriedtoshootit
andmissed...”

Sarawaslaughinguproariously.“Arooster?”
“Arooster.He’scomplainedtotheowner,butshelovesthestupidanimal,andshewon’tgetridof

it.”

“Whoistheowner?”
“Asweetyoungwomanwho’stryingtorunasmallranchallbyherself,withalittlehelpfromher

great-aunt.Ithinkshe’ssweetonCort,butthatroosterismakinganenemyofhim.Besides,”shesaid
sadly,“there’sOdalieEverett.”

“Heather ’sdaughter,”Sarasaidasshenodded,recallingthebeautifulyoungwomanwiththevoice

ofanangel.

“Shewantstosinggrandopera.Cortwantstomarryher,butshe’sfullofherselfandthirstingfora

careerinmusic.Hejustmournsconstantly.Rightnowshe’sinItalytrainingwithavoiceteacher.”

“PoorCort.”
“Hewassweetonyouonce,”Moriesaid,tongueincheek.
Shelaughed.“Onlyforoneday,untilherealizedthatIdon’tdate.”
“Atthetime,Ithoughtyou’dneverhaveanormallife,”Morietoldhergently.Shesmiled

quizzically.“Youlook...Idon’tknow...different.Youdon’thavethathauntedlookIremember.”

“It’sthebaby,”Sarareplied.“I’veneverbeensohappy.Orsomiserable.”Shelookeddowninto

hercup.“Ifhecouldhavelovedme,I’dneverhavewantedanythingmorefromlife.”

Moriesighed.“Men.Youreallycan’tlivewithoutthem,buttheycanbeonebigheadache.”
“Inoticed.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Goodness,Ihavetogo.Amelia’smakingcrepesfor

supper.”

“Shecanmakecrepes?”
“She’samarvelouscook,”Sarasaid.
“Comingfromyou,that’shighpraise,”Moriereplied,becausesheknewthatherfriendwasa

gourmetchef.

“I’mhungry.IneverhavemuchappetitewhenIhavetogotothedoctor.”
“Whatdidthedoctorsay?”
Sarasmiled.“ThatI’mdoingwell,thebaby’sdoingwellandIhavetogoandseeacardiologist,”

sheaddedheavily.

“Acardiologist?”
“Ihaveaheartdefect,”Sarasaid,smiling.“It’sjustasmallone,andhesaysitwon’timpact

delivery,buthewantstokeepaneyeonitjustthesame.Hesaidit’snothingtoworryabout.”

“Thankgoodness!”
Sarahuggedher.“You’reanicewoman.I’msorryIhaven’tvisiteduntilnow,butthingshavebeen

prettyhectic.I’vebeenlivinginSanAntonioforthelongesttime.Ittakessomegettingusedto,being
uphereagain.”

“You’llloveitwhenyougetacclimated.Springhereisunbelievable!”
“BetterthanTexas?”Sarateased.
“Different,”herfriendreplied,smiling.“Butbeautiful.”
Moriewalkedherouttothecar,lookingaroundatthetoweringlodgepolepinesswayinginthe

breeze.

“Aren’ttheymagnificent?”sheasked.“Wedon’thavetreeslikethisinTexas.”
“No,wedon’t.Andtheyaremagnificent.”
“Comebackwhenyoucanstaylonger,”Moriecoaxed.“I’llletyouplaywiththebaby.”
“That’sanincentive!”Saralaughed.“I’llneedlessons.Idon’tevenknowhowtododiapersor

makeformula...”

“Youmightconsiderbreast-feeding,”Moriereplied.“Itgivesthebabyaheadstart.Andit’smuch

betterthanformula.”

“I’llresearchthat,”Sarasaid.
“Youandtheinternet,”Moriesaid,shakingherhead.“Stillplayingthatvideogameeverynight?”
“Almosteverynight,”Saraagreed.Shesmiled.“Ihaveafriend.He’sinthesamefactionIam.We

sortofholdeachothertogether.He’sdamaged,too,”shesaidwithasadsmile.“Idon’tknowwhohe
is,buthesayshe’sinlawenforcement.He’sverykind.Idon’treallyhaveanybodytotalkto.”

“Youdo.Righthere,”Moriesaid,indicatingherself.
“Thanks.”
“You’rewelcome.I’llcallyouinaweekortwoandwe’llgoouttoeat.”
“I’dlikethat.”Sheopenedthedoorandclimbedinunderthesteeringwheel.“Thanksforbeinga

goodlistener.”

“That’swhatfriendsarefor.Youcallmeifyouneedme.Idon’tcarewhattimeitis.”
“Iwill.Thanksagain.”
“Drivesafely,”Moriesaid.
Sarasmiled,turnedontheignitionandpulledaway.
Graysonwaswaitingatthefrontdoorwhenshegothome.
“Finally!”shesaid.“Iwasgettingworried.”
“Youcouldhavecalledme.”Saralaughed.
“Onwhat?”Graysonheldupacellphone.ItwasSara’s.She’dforgottentotakeitwithher.
“Ah,well,hownicethatIwasn’tkidnappedbymaraudingterroristsonthewayhome,”shesaid

withagrin.

Graysongrinnedback.“It’snicetoseeyousmileforachange,”sheremarked.
Saradrewinabreathassheputupherjacketandpurse.“Ihaven’thadalottosmileabout,”she

confessed.“ButI’mgettingbetter.”

Sheturned.Graysondidlookworried.
“I’mreallygettingbetter,”Saraemphasized.
“Okay,then.I’vegotcrepesalmostready.Imademeringuesfordessert,too.”
“Myfavorite!”
Graysonlaughed.“Inoticed.”

Sarafollowedherintothekitchen.Shewasstillalittlequeasy,butshedidn’tdareleton.Grayson

didn’tknowthatshewaspregnant.Theotherwomanwasdeeplyreligious,andshemightfindSara’s
conditionoffensive.Shemightquit.Bettertoletexplanationsrideforatime,Saradecided.Grayson
wasatreasure.

They’djustfinishedsupperwhensomeoneknockedatthefrontdoor.
GraysonimmediatelygotbetweenSaraandthedoor.Shelookedoutthepeepholeanddrewbackas

ifshe’dseenasnake.

“Whoisit?”Saraasked.
Graysonopenedthedoorwithoutspeaking.
Atallmanwithpalegrayeyesmovedintoview.HesmiledatSara.
“Ty!”sheexclaimed.Sheknewhimbecausehe’dhelpedthedefenseattorneygatherinformationto

clearthepoliceofficerwho’dshotherstepfather.She’dlikedhim.HeandGabehadbecomefriends.
Later,MoriehadtoldheraboutTyhelpingtotrackanescapedcriminalwhohadtakenMallory
prisoner,whenMoriehadsearchedforhim.“Whatareyoudoinguphere?”

“I’monacase,”hesaid.“Amazinghowmuchbusinesswe’redoinginWyominglately,andIwork

outofHouston.”

“Comein!Haveyoueaten?Ameliamadecrepes.Ithinktherearetwoleft...”
TyspottedtheblondewomanstandingbesideSaraasthedooropenedalltheway.Hissmile

vanished.HegaveAmeliaalong,quietlook.

“Hello,Grayson,”hesaid.
Shenoddedslowly.“Harding.”
Sarafrowned.“Youtwoknoweachother?”
“Slightly,”Graysonsaidtautly.“Veryslightly.”
Tytooklongertoadjusttotheunexpectedencounter.Heliftedhischin.“It’sbeenalongtime.”
Sarawaspuzzledatthetension.“HelivesinHouston,andyou’refromSanAntonio,aren’tyou?”

sheaskedGrayson.

“IgrewupinComancheWells,”Graysonsaidinadulltone.“Hespentsummerstherewithhis

grandparents.”

“Wewereinhighschoolatthetime,”Tyagreed.HestudiedGraysonquietly.“Itwasalongtime

ago.”

Graysonnodded.Shedidn’tmeethiseyes.
“HaveyouseenCurrier?”heasked.
Shewentverystiff.“No.He’sinAfrica.”
Tygrimaced.“Hewouldn’tletitgo,wouldhe?Itwasn’tyourfault.”
“Itwasmyfault,”shereturned,movingaway.
“Comehavecoffeeatleast,”Saracoaxed,fascinatedwithwhatshewaslearningabouthernew

companionwithoutawordbeingspoken.

Tyhesitated.Amelialookedtortured.“I’dbettergo.IjustwantedtosayhelloandseehowGabriel

was.Ihaven’theardfromhim.”

“He’sdoingverywell,”Sarasaid,“asfarasIknow.They’reinvolvedinsomesortofsecret

project,probablyclassified,inacountrynearSaudiArabia.”

“Whenyouhearfromhim,askhimtocallme,wouldyou?”Tysaid.“I’vehadanoffer.Ithinkhe

mightbeinterested,too.”

“Aren’tyoustillworkingforDaneLassiter ’sprivatedetectiveagencyinHouston?”Saraasked.
“Yes,butI’mlookingatachange,”hesaid.

Sarasmiled.“Andthat’sallI’mgettingoutofyou,yes?”
Hechuckled.“That’sit.”
“Well,itwasgoodtoseeyoujustthesame.”
Hesmiled.“Goodtoseeyou,too,Sara.”
“I’llhaveGabecallyou,”shepromised.
“Thanks.”HeglancedpastheratAmelia’sstraightback.“I’llseeyou,Grayson.”
Shedidn’treply.Shejustnodded.
Saraclosedthedoorandwenttoher.“Youknowhim,”shesaid.
Amelianodded,eyesdowncast.“Wewerefriendsonce,”shesaid.
“Justfriends?”
Ameliacloseduplikeasensitiveplant.Hersmilelookedforced.“Onlyarchaeologistsshoulddig

upthepast,”shesaid.“Howaboutameringue?”

Saragaveup.“Okay.I’dloveone.”
Amelialedthewaybackintothekitchen.Sarawashavingahardtimegettingherbreath.Amelia

turned,frowning.“You’rehuffinglikeasteamengine.”

Saralaughed.“IguessIam.”Shehesitated,remembering.“IwentbytoseeMorieKirkontheway

home.WewerefriendswhenshelivedinTexas.Wehadlattes,”sheadded.“Idon’tdrinkcaffeine
muchanymore.Iguessthat’swhatdidit.”

“Nomorecoffee,”Ameliafussed.
Saralaughed.“Okay.Nomorecoffee.Ihaveaslightheartdefect,”sheconfessed.“I’mnot

supposedtodrinkanythingcaffeinated.Butthecoffeewassogood!”sheaddedwithasigh.

“Ilikelattes,too,”Ameliaconfessedwithalaugh.“Butyoushouldprobablyleaveitalone.”
“Idoagree.”
Thatnight,beforeshetriedtosleep,Sara’smindagainwentovertheencounterwithWolfatthe

symphonyconcert,athisindifferencetoSara,hisintenseinterestinhisblondecompanion.Itwaslike
aknifestraightthroughher.They’dbeensoclose,justforabrieftimeathisranch,afterthetrauma
thathadopenedthefloodgatesofthepastforeachofthem.

She’dlovedhim.She’dthoughttheyhadarealfuturetogether.
Thenshe’dseenhimwithhiscompanion.She’dplannedtotellhimthatnightaboutthebaby.She’d

plannedmorethanjustthat.Butfatehadthrownaspannerintotheworks.Whathadbegunin
breathlessanticipationhadendedinheartache.

Nowhereshewas,pregnantwithachildhe’dneverknow.Hewasgoingaroundwithotherwomen

andapparentlynoregretswhatsoeveraboutSara.Ithurtmorethananythingelsehadinherwhole
life,evenmorethanhertragicpast.

Theworstofitwasthatshestilllovedhim.Howshecouldloveatwo-timing,heartlessratlikehim

wasoneterriblepuzzle.Sheshouldhatehim.She’dtriedtohatehim.Buthehauntedher,evenin
memory.

ShegaveathoughttoGrayson’soddbehaviorwiththeirvisitor,TyHarding.Therewassomething

there.Sheknewtherewas.Shewonderedwhat.Maybesomeday,ifsheevergotherownlife
straightenedout,shecoulddosomethingtohelppoorGrayson.ShehadafeelingthatAmeliahadher
owntragedytodealwith.

Sheturnedoutthelightandtriedtosleep.Butitwasalmostdaylightbeforeshefinallydid.

***

S

ARA

WAS

FIXING

asaladwhenthephonerang.Shereachedforit,certainthatitwouldbethenurse

givinghernewsofthecardiologistorMichellewithnewsaboutherjob.Itwasneither.

“Sara?”EbScottsaidsolemnly.“Isthatyou?”
Shesatdownhard,shaking.Sherememberedthenightmareshe’dhad,almostasifhermindhad

beenconnectedtoWoffordPatterson’sinsomestrangemanner.“It’sWolf.Something’shappenedto
Wolf!”

Hecouldheartheterrorinhervoice.“Slowdown,it’sokay.He’sbeenshot,yes.We’veairlifted

himbacktoahospitalinHouston.He’sverybad,buthe’scallingforyou...”

“I’llbeonthenextplaneoutofhere!”
“Getalimototheairport,”hesaidfirmly.“I’llhaveaplanewaitingforyou,totakeyoustraightto

Houston.SomeonewillmeetyouinthelobbyatSheridanwithasign.Gowithhim.”

“Yes.Yes.”Shewassobbing.“Hehastolive.Hemustlive!”
“Thedoctorsaredoingeverythingtheycan.It’sjust...”
“What?”
“Contactthelimocompany.Thencallmeback.I’lltellyoueverything.”
Shephonedtheservice,beggedforacarforanemergencyandgotoneontheway.ShecalledEb

backwhileshedirectedGraysontostartpackingforher.

“I’llexplaininaminute,”shetoldtheotherwoman.
“Scott,”camethereplywhenshe’dpunchedinthenumber.
“It’sme.Tellme!”
“Heknowsyouwenttotheclinic,”hesaidheavily.“Hewentcrazy.Yousee,hedidn’tdaretalkto

youthatnight.Yserahadamaninthetheater.Wolfwasscaredtodeaththatifsheknewhehadany
feelingsforyouatall,she’dhaveyoukilled.Shehadthemoneyandthemeans,andpeopleinplaceto
doit.Hetookoutalotofwomenforafewweekstothrowheroffthetrack.”

“DearGod.”Sheshivered.Tearsrandownhercheeks.
“Sohedidn’tcarewhathappenedafterthat,”hesaid,hatingtotellher.“HewentafterYsera

himself.”

“Oh,no,”shegroaned.Sheclenchedherteeth.“Sheshothim!”
“No.Shecalledinoneofherhiredgunstodoit.Butshemadeafatalerror.Wolfhada.45aimedat

her.Whenthehenchmanfired,sodidhe.I’mnotsurehemeantto.Hereallywantedherincustodyto
standtrial.Itwasreflex,whenthebullethithim.”

Shewassobbingnow.“Hemustlive,”shewhispered.“OrIcan’t.Ican’t.Iwon’t!Iwon’tlive

withouthim!”

“Sara,”hesaidurgently,“Sara,he’sstillalive.Youhavetocomeuphere.Tellhim.Itmightbe

enough...”

Sheheardacardriveup.Shelookedoutthewindowthroughtears.“Thelimo’shere.”
“Theplane’slandingattheairportnow.It’sabigDC-3.Ex-military,andnocreaturecomforts,but

you’llgetheresafely.Okay?”

“Okay.Eb...thankyou!”
“Thankyou.He’smyfriend,too.”
“HaveyouspokentoGabriel?”
“Ican’t,”hesaidmiserably.“Therearethingsgoingon,classifiedthings.Ican’tcontacthimand

neithercanyou.I’msorry.He’dcome,ifheknew.Wolfishisbestfriend.”

“I’monmyway.”
“I’llseeyouinHouston.”

Shehungup.Graysonhadeverythingpackedforacoupleofnights.Sarakissedhercheek.

“Thanks.I’msorry.Imustgo.”Hereyeswerered.“Hemaydie,”shesaidwithtremblinglips.

“He’llbeallright,”Graysonsaidgently.“Hewill.Youbelieveme.Amanthattoughisn’tgoingto

godownwithoutafight.”

Saradidn’tquestionthestrangeremark.Shewastooupset.Shejustsmiledandranouttothecar,

Graysontwostepsbehindwithtworollingsuitcases.

“Ionlyneedone,”Sarasaid,lookingatthem.
“I’velockedupandphonedMarsdentolookaftereverythinginthehouse.I’mgoingwithyou,”

shesaidfirmly.“NowayamIlettingyougoalone.”

Sarastartedcryingagain.
“Comeon,”Graysonsaidgently.“Getinside.Weneedtoleave.”
Saranoddedthroughhertearsandclimbedintothebackseat.

***

T

HE

HOSPITAL

WAS

newandmodern.Ithadlong,widecorridorsandmodernlighting,withgreen

plantseverywhere.Sarawouldhavebeenimpressedifshehadn’tbeensofrightened.EbScottwas
waitingforher.Sheranintohisarmsandlethimcomfortherwhileshesobbed.

“He’sholdinghisown,”Ebsaid.“Thehospitalchaplainservicehasbeenofgreathelp.”
Shedrewback,dabbingattearswithanembroideredlacehandkerchief.“Doeshehaveanyfamily

left?”sheasked.“Iknowhewasafosterchild,butmaybecousins?”

Heshookhisheadandsmiled.“Justyouandme.Figurativelyspeaking.”
Saraputherhandonherbellyanddrewinashakybreath.
Eb’sfacewasastudyindelightedshockashemethereyes.
Sheflushed.“Youcan’tknow,”shefaltered.
“Ihavetwoofmyown,”hesaidwithlaughinggreeneyes.“Irememberthesymptomsverywell

indeed.”Hepursedhislips.“So,youwalkedinthefrontdoorandoutthebackdooroftheclinic
withoutstopping?”

Shelaughedself-consciously.“Somethinglikethat.”
“Whenhe’sbetter,”hetoldher,“he’sgoingtotakethatoutofmypoorassociate’shide,thathe

didn’trecordthelengthoftimeyouwereactuallyintheclinic.”

“Hewasn’tsupposedtoknow,”shesaidsadly.“Iwastryingtoprotecthim.”
“Andhewastryingtoprotectyou.”
Shenodded.Tearsstunghereyes,hotandsalty.“When?”
“Whenwillweknow?Soon,Ihope,”hesaid.
Theysatdowninthewaitingarea.Therewasafamilynearby.Anolderwomanwascrying.Beside

her,asomberteenageboywastryingnotto.Shelookedatthemandmanagedawaterysmile.They
gaveheroneback.Thentheyallwaited.

Minutespassed.Adoctorcameoutandspoketothefamilynearby.Thewomanburstoutwithan

expressionofsuchjoythatSarafeltgoodforher.Shelaughed.Theteenagerbesidehergrinnedfrom
eartoear.TheygaveSaraasmileandalookofgreatsympathyastheyfollowedthedoctordownthe
hall.

“Atleastsomeonehasgoodnews,”Sarasaidheavily.“Oh,Iwishwedid!”
“Youdidn’tcomealone?”Ebasked,concerned.
HewasthinkingwhatmighthappenifWolfdidn’tmakeit.Sheknewthat,butshedidn’tsayitout

loud.“Graysoncamewithme.She’smypersonalassistant.”Shemanagedasmile.“Shewouldn’tlet
mecomealone.She’slininguphotelsandcars.”

“Grayson?”heaskedslowly,andtherewasanoddlookinhiseyes.“AmeliaGrayson?”
Sheliftedbotheyebrows.“Youknowher?”
Hesmiled.“Nevermind.”
Shestartedtoaskwhathemeantwhenamaninsurgicalgreenscameoutadoor,pullinghismask

downontheway.HeapproachedEb.

SaraslidherhandintoEb’s,terrified,praying,begging,asthemanstoppedjustinfrontofthem.
“Thebulletdidsomedamage,”hetoldEb.“Puncturedalung,brokepartofarib,ricochetedand

tookachunkoutofhisliverandnickedanintestine.ButI’magreatsurgeon,”hesaidwithtwinkling
eyes.“Iexcisedthedamagedtissue,removedthebonesplinters,seweduptheintestineandremoved
thebullet—somethingIwouldn’thavedoneifithadmeantcausingmoretrauma,”headded.He
grimaced.“He’scarryingenoughleadasitis.”Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“Youpeoplekeepmyjob
challenging.”

Sarawasalmostglowingwithrelief.Tearsrolleddownfromhertragicblackeyes,stainingher

cheeksasshestoodstill,listening,hoping.

Ebshrugged.“Thinkofitaspractice.Lookhowmuchwegiveyou.”
Hechuckled.“Ifyouwanttotakehimhome,MicahSteelecantakeover.He’sprobablytreated

moreofthesecasesthanevenIhave.NottomentionyourguyCarson,who’sbackintrainingasa
physicianinJacobsville.”

“Alltrue.”Ebshookhands.“Thanks.”
“Whatarefriendsfor?”HeglanceddownatSara.“Areyouafriendofmypatient?”
“Youmightsaythat,”Ebdrawled.“She’scarryinghischild.”
“She’s...”
Alltheexcitement,allthefear,caughtupwithher.Saraslidtothefloorbeforeeithermancould

catchher.

***

S

HE

CAME

TO

onahospitalbed.Shetriedtositup,butanursewhoobviouslyhadMafiatiespushed

hergentlybackdownandglaredather.

“Oh,no,youdon’t,”shesaid.“I’veneverletapatientgetawayyet!”
“Buthe’soutofsurgery,”shepleaded.“Youhavetoletmegotohim.Ihavetoseehim...!You

don’tunderstand.Hedoesn’twanttolive!”

“Yes,hedoes,”thenursemusedwithpursedlips.“EbScotttoldhimyouwerehere.He’sawakeand

awareandcursingdoctorsbecausehecan’tgettoyou.”

Herfaceflushedwithpleasure.Shelaybackdown.“HeknowsI’mhere?”
“Yes.”
Shetookdeepbreaths,joyshiningoutofeyesthathadbeentragicwithgriefandfearuntilnow.

“When?”

“Whencanyouseehim?Assoonasyourbloodpressuregoesdown.”
“ButIdon’thavehighbloodpressure.”
“Youdo,mydear,”thenursesaidgently.“YourphysicianinSanAntonioprescribedablood

pressuremedication.Didn’tyourealizethat’swhatyou’vebeentaking?”

“Shesaidsomethingabouthypertension.IthoughtshemeantIwastense...”Saraflushed.“Iusedto

beintelligent.Ithinkpregnancymakespeoplesusceptibletoperiodsofstupidity,”sheadded,
blushing.“Nobodytoldhim,aboutthebaby...?”

“Notyet.Weallthinkthatshouldbeyourjob,”sheaddedsoftly.
Sarasighed.“He’llbeangry,thatIkeptitfromhim.”
“Thatmanisn’tgoingtobeangryaboutanything,”thenursereplied.“Exceptbeingkeptaway

fromyou.”Shepaused.“Listen.”

Therewasaloudvoice,averyloudanddeepvoice,usingwordsthatmightgethimarrestedifhe

didn’tstop.

“Please?”Saraasked,becausesheknewthevoice.
“Letmegetawheelchair.”

***

T

HEY

WHEELED

HER

intotherecoveryroom.HewasawakeanddemandingaccesstoSara.Whenhe

sawher,hiswholefacechanged.

Shegotupoutofthewheelchairandwenttohim.Hewashookeduptohalfadozenmachines.A

tubewasfeedinghimoxygen.Hesmelledofantisepticandblood,andsomethingelsethatshe
couldn’tquiteidentify—gunpowder,perhaps.Hehadbloodeverywhere,evenonhisface.

ButhelookedbeautifultoSara,who’dbeenterrifiedsinceEbScott’sphonecall.Shewentclose

andbrushedbackhisblackhair.Shebentwithtearsinhereyestokisshisforehead,hisnose,hisdry
mouth.

“Sara,”hechokedout.
“It’sallright,”shewhispered.“I’mhere.I’mrighthere.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”
“Ikilledher,”hewhisperedback.“Didn’tI?”
ShelookedatEbScott,standingnearby.Henoddedgrimly.
“Yes,”shesaid.Shewinced.“I’msosorry...!”
“Iknewfromthewayshelookedthatshehadsomethingplanned,butIwastooslow.”Hiseyes

closed.“Ihadthe.45underthetable,becauseIdidn’ttrusther.Itwascocked,safetyoff.Iwasgoing
toarrestherandputherincustody.Whentheshotcame,itwasjustreflex.Thegunwentoff.Inever
meanttokillher.”

“Theauthoritiesknowthat,”Ebsaid,comingcloser.“Nochargesarebeingfiled.Herwhole

organizationisagainsttheropes.Manyarrestsweremade.Someofthemaregoingtobesurprising,
becausethey’rehereintheStates.”Henodded.“Herinfluencewasinternational.”Hisfacehardened.
“Wealsohavethemanwhowasinthetheater,thenightyouandSarawenttothesymphony.”

Wolf’seyesflashedmurder.“Holdontohim.WhenIcangetupagain,I’mgoingtokillhim.”
“IhadhimsenthometoAfrica,tostandtrial,”Ebreturned.“You’renotlandingyourselfinprison,

howevernoblethemotive.”

Wolfwasstillglaring.Sarawentclose,andtheferocitywentoutofhim,justlikethat.Hispaleeyes

searchedoverherface.“You’vebeencrying,honey,”hesaidsoftly.“I’mokay.It’salotbetterthanit
looks.”

“No,it’snot,”shechokedout.Herlowerliptrembled.“Ithoughtyoudidn’twantme...”
Hisbighanddrewherwetfacetohischestandheshuddered.“Youlittlefool!”
Shelaidhercheekagainsthimandletgoofhertears.Shecouldbarelymanagetostop,tolifther

head.“I’msorry,”shewhispered.“Ididn’tmeantodothat.”

Histhumbbrushedagainstherlowerlip.Helookedasanguishedasshedid.“Ebsaidyoufainted,”

hesaidgrimly.“I’msosorrythatyouwerefrightened.”

Itwasherpregnancy,notfear,thathadcausedthefaint.Butshewasn’tgoingtotellhimthat,not

justyet.Sheknewhefeltsomethingforher.Butshedidn’twantknowledgeofthechildtopushhim
intoarelationshiphedidn’treallywant.Shewasgoingtotakehertime,seewhathereallywanted,
whenhewasn’ttraumatized,beforeshedecidedwhetherornottotellhim.

“Ijustneededtoseethatyouwereallright,”shesaid.
Hesmiled.“Iwasn’t.Iamnow,”headded,searchingherweteyes.“Don’tcryanymore.Ithurts

me.”

Shedabbedattears.“Okay.”
Hiseyeswereonthefrillyhandkerchief,andhesmiled.“Youneverwearlace.”
Sheshrugged.“Myonelittlevice.Frillyhandkerchiefs.”
Hechuckled,layback,wincedandclosedhiseyes.Hedrewinalongbreath.“Theydruggedme,”

hecomplained.“Itwasn’tworking,becauseIwasscaredtodeathaboutyouwhenIknewyoupassed
out.”Heopenedhiseyes.“You’resureit’snothing?”

“I’msure,”sheliedconvincingly.
“Allright.Imaysleep,forabit...”Hedroppedoff,thetraumaandthedrugsfinallycatchingup

withhim.

Sarawasdrained,completelydrained,ofemotionwhensheandEbwentoutintothehall.Grayson

wasstandingthere,waiting.

EbtookSaratoher.“Ihadthemcallyourphysician,”hetoldher,“justtomakesureyouhadwhat

youneeded.Thefaintingspellworriedme.”

“Thanks,Eb,”shesaidgently.“I’msotired...”
“Takehertoahotel,Grayson,puthertobed,”Ebsaidquietly.“She’sbeenthroughhell.”
“Sohashe,Iimagine,”Graysonsaidgently.ShesmiledatEb.“Goodtoseeyou.”
“Nicetoseeyou,too,Grayson.She’llbeingoodhands,”headded,andasilentmessagepassed

betweenthetwoofthem.

“IthinkIcouldsleepnow.”SaraturnedtoEb.“You’resurehe’llbeallright?You’llcallme,if...”
“I’llcallyou.Ipromise.”
“Allright.”ShefollowedGraysondownthelongcorridor.

***

S

HE

SLEPT

LIKE

alog,forthefirsttimeinyears.Graysonwokeherup,finally,withthenewsthatthey

weretransferringWolfintoaroom,outofintensivecare,wherehe’dspentthenight.Sarahadn’t
knownaboutthat,orshe’dhavebeenoutofhermind.

“Nobodytoldme,”shemuttered.
“Nobodydared,”Graysonrepliedwithasmile.“You’dhadenough.Buthebouncedbackso

quicklythatevenhissurgeonwassurprised.Theythinkhecanbetransferredinacoupleofdays,if
he’sstillimproving.”

“I’mgoingwithhim,”Sarasaid.“I’msorry.YoucangobacktotheranchinWyomingandstay

there...”

“I’llmanage,”Graysonsaidshortly.“I’mnotleavingyoualone.”
Sarabitherlip.“Grayson,you’rethenicestpersonIknow.”
“No.You’rethenicestpersonIknow.”Sheputaplatterofeggsandbacononthetableand

retrievedcroissantsfromthebasket.She’dhadroomservicedeliverfoodbeforeshewokeSara.

“Noweat.”

“Croissants,”Sarasaid,brightening.
“Youmentionedhowmuchyoulikedthem,”cametheamusedreply.“Therestauranthadthemon

themenu.”

“Andstrawberrypreserves.”Shepreparedacroissant,creamedhercoffeeandactuallyenjoyed

breakfastforachange.

***

A

S

SOON

AS

theyate,theytookacabtothehospital.SarahadphonedEb,whowaswaitingforherin

thelobby.Hesmiled.

“He’snothappy.Hewantstogohome.ButIthinkifhecanseeyou,he’llshutupforafewminutes

anyway,beforethenursesshoveawashclothinhismouthandtiehimtothebed.”

Shelaughed.“Ishethatbad?”
“Worse,actually.”
Heledhertowardacloseddoorandpusheditopen.Wolfwassittingupinbed,ahospitalgown

barelycoveringthebroadexpanseofhischest.HelookedupwhenhesawSara,andtheglower
turnedintoabeamingsmile.

“Hello,”hesaidgently.
“Hello.”Shesmiledback.
“Ihavesomethingstodo.I’llbeback,”Ebsaiddiscreetly,andwentouttojoinGraysoninthehall.

***

“H

OW

HAS

SHE

BEEN

?”Ebaskedthewoman,andhewasn’tsmiling.

“Bad,”shereplied.“I’mwatchingherlikeahawk.Idon’tthinkthere’sanydanger,butyounever

know.YserahadpaidsomeonetodoWolf.I’mnotsureaboutwhoorwhere,ifyouknowwhatI
mean.”

Henodded.“We’lltakehimtotheranchassoonashe’smobile,andI’llsendoverthebestmenI

have.”Hestudiedherdrawnface.“Nothim,”headdedgently.“He’sinAfrica.”

Sherelaxed.“Okay.Sorry.”
“SoamI,”hesaid.
Herfaceclosedup.“Shehashighbloodpressure,”shesaid.“Thedoctorwastreatingherforit,

andshedidn’trealize,”sheadded.“Shedoesn’tknowthatitmightimpactherpregnancy.The
obstetricianwasn’tforthcoming,buthesenthertoacardiologist.Shewon’tmakeittothe
appointment.It’stwodaysfromnow.”Shelaughedsoftly.“Shedoesn’tknowthatI’mawareofher
pregnancy.Ihaven’tleton.”

“Good.I’llgetMicahtoreferhertoadoctorinJacobsville.Tellherthecardiologistphonedyou,

thatyougavehimyournumberandtoldhimwhatwasgoingon.SayhereferredyoutoMicah.
Okay?”

“Icandothat,”sheagreed.
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Stillpackingthat.45?”
“You’dbetterbelieveit,”shereturned.Shepulledbackherjacket,justenoughtolethimseethebutt

ofthepistolrestingunderherarm.“Nobody’sgettingtoher,orhim,unlesstheygothroughme.”

Hesmiled.“Ibelieveit.You’regood,Grayson.Gettinghertohireyouwithoutgivingyourself

awaywasanactofabsolutegenius.”

“Ihadagoodteacher,”shereplied,andsmiledback.
“Whatdidyoutellher,sothatIcanpretendIdon’tknowanything?”
Shegavehimthewholespielaboutherformeremployers,theworks.Shelaughed.“Shewasso

sympatheticthatIfeltlikeadogforlyingtoher.”

“Itwasforagoodcause.Wecan’ttakethechancethatYseradidn’tknowaboutSara.There’sstill

thethreattoWolf.”

“Notwithmearound,”Ameliasaidwithagrin.“I’madeadshot,Iam.”
“Yes,youare,andIoughttoknow.Itrainedyoumyself,”hesaid,grinning.

***

W

OLF

WAS

GLARING

atthemealthey’dbroughthim.“Idon’tlikehospitalfood,”hemuttered.

Shewentclose,openedthetray,pickedupaforkandproceededtoladlefoodintohim.
“Don’tfuss,”shesaidsoftly,smiling.
Hewatchedherwhileheate,hiseyessoftandwarm.Almostloving,shethought.Thenshe

rememberedthenightatthetheater,thebeautifulblondewoman.He’dtoldEbitwastothrowYsera
offthetrack.Wasit?

Hisbighandcaughtherwrist.Hewinced,becauseitwaspainfultousehishand.Thebullethad

impactedthemusclesinhischest.“Icouldn’ttellyou,”hesaid,hisfacedrawnwithguilt.“Yserahada
maninthetheaterthatnight...”

“Ebtoldme,”shesaid.
“Itwasthetruth,”hesaid.“Youhavetobelievethat,ifyoubelievenothingelse.Icouldn’tmake

youatarget.Icouldn’tletherhurtyou!”

Shesawtheemotion.Hewasn’teventryingtohideit.Hisexpressioncalmedallherfears.“Shewas

quitebeautiful,”shesaidslowly.

“Shewasn’tyou,”hewhisperedhuskily.Thewayhesaiditmadehertoescurlupinhershoes.

“Andthereisn’t,anywhereonearth,awomanasbeautifulasyouare.Thereisn’tawomanIwant
more.”

Sheflushedwithpleasure.
“WhenIgetoutofhere,”hesaidhuskily,“andbackonmyfeet,I’dlovetoprovethattoyou.”
Herwholebodytingled.Sheloweredhereyestohismouth.“Wouldyou?”shewhispered.
“Youcouldhavealittleminorsurgeryinthemeantime,”hesaidwithawickedsmile.
“Wolf!”
“Watchout,you’respillingthatcoffee.”
“Sorry.”Sheheldittohislipsandwatchedhimsipit.Herhandswereunsteady.
“Itwon’tbelikelasttime,Sara,”hesaidhuskily.“Iswearit!”
Shedrewbackthecup.“Iknowthat.”
Hereachedupandtouchedherface,wincingwiththemovement.“Andifyou’llletme,”he

whisperedsoftly,“I’lldomyabsolutedamndesttomakeyoupregnant.”

CHAPTERTWELVE

C

OFFEE

WENT

EVERYWHERE

.Sheflushed,droppingthecuponthetray,asshegrabbedawashcloth

fromthetableandusedittomophimup.“Sorry,”shesaidtautly.

Hegroanedinwardly.Hehadn’tmeanttosaythat,toremindherofthechildthey’dlost.“Itdoesn’t

matter.Icanusesomething,”hesaidquietly.“It’stoosoontodiscussit,anyway.I’vegotalotof
healingtodo.Areyougoingtocomebacktotheranchwithme,whentheyletmeout?”

Shesearchedhisface.He’dsoundedasifhewantedachild,justforafewseconds.Butnowhewas

thesameashehadbeenbefore.Nothingshowedinthatblandexpression.Nothingatall.Shecouldn’t
readhim.

“Ifyouwantmeto,”shesaidquietly.
Heleanedbackagainstthepillows.Hewinced,butthistimenotbecauseofanyphysical

discomfort.“I’vehurtyoubadly,Sara,”hesaid,hisvoicedeepandtender.“Insomanyways.Iknow
it’sgoingtotaketime.Butthereisn’tanotherwomaninmylife.Onlyyou.”

Shemovedalittlecloser.“Thereisn’tanotherman,”sheconfessed.“Icould...neverdothosethings,

withanyoneelse.”

Hischestswelledwithinvoluntarypride.Shestillwantedhim,atleast.“Youcandothemwithme,”

hesaidhuskily.“Butitwillbedifferentnexttime.Very,verydifferent.”

Hereyesweretroubled.Shethoughtofafuturewiththetwoofthembeingintimateoccasionally,

noties,nocommitment.Itwasdismal.

“Whatareyouthinking?”heasked.
“Iwaswondering...”Shestoppedsuddenly.Shemanagedasmile.“IwaswonderingifGraysonis

gettingimpatient.Ileftheroutinthehall.”

“Grayson?”heasked.Hefrowned.“AmeliaGrayson?”
Hereyebrowswentup.EbScottwalkedintotheroombeforeSaracouldaskifheknewher

companion.

“AmeliaGraysonisworkingforyou?”Wolfpersisted.
“Itoldyouthat,”Ebsaid,andhewasmakinggesturesbehindSara’sbackthatWolffinally

understood.“It’snottheGraysonyou’rethinkingof.She’sinfederalprison,remember?”Heturned
toSara,lyingthroughhisteeth.“Shewasanarmsdealer,ofallthings.WolfandIcaughtupwithher
inBarbados.Hearrestedherinanongoinginvestigationintomoneylaundering.Sheledusonquitea
chase.ButthatwasAntoniaGrayson,Wolf.NotAmelia.”

“Oh.Yes.”Hedrewinabreath.“I’malittlefuzzyfromtheanesthesiaandthepainmeds,Iguess,”

hesaidwithasheepishsmile.“What’sshelike,yourassistant?”

“She’sverysweet,”Sarasaid.“Shetakeswonderfulcareofme.Ihonestlydon’tknowwhatI’ddo

withouthernow.”Shesmiledsoftly.“She’sspoiledme.”

“That’sgoingtobemyjob,whentheyletmeoutofhere,”Wolfsaid,andhispaleeyeswerealmost

eatingher.

“I’msogladthatyoulived,”shewhispered.Thenherfaceset,andherblackeyesflashed.“Why?”

sheexclaimed.“Whydidyoudosomethingsoincrediblydangerous?Thereareallsortsofagencies
thatdealwithpeoplelikethat,butyouwentstorminginbyyourself.Theycouldhavekilledyou!”

“Oh,God,it’sthebroomandtheflyingmonkeysagain,”hegroaned,lyingbackagainstthe

pillows.“Saveme!”hepleadedwithEb.

Ebcouldn’t.Hewaslaughinghisheadoff.

Sara,tornbetweenamusementandfury,justglared.Heremotionswereallovertheplace.Ebknew

why.Wolfdidn’t.

“I’mgoingtogetabroomandhityouwithit,”Sarapromised.“Andifyouever,ever,strapona

gunandtrytogobackintothefield,I’mgoingtohaveeverycowboyontheplaceropeyoutoa
fencepost,andI’mgoingtopersonallymakesuretheyneveruntieyou!”

Hegaveherasardoniclook.“Menhavetousethebathroomperiodically,”hesaiddrolly.
Sheflushed.“We’llfindabedpanorsomething.”
Hechuckled.
Shesmiledsheepishly.“Well,you’renotdoingitagain.Ever.”
Hesmiledslowly.“Okay.”
Herheartlifted.Hedidn’tseemtomindifsheorderedhimaround.Itwasratherintriguing.
“Youcanenjoygivingmeorders.UntilI’moutofthisbed,”hemused,pursinghislips.“Andthen

we’llseewhogetstodowhat.”

Sheliftedherchin.“IcanunleashtheflyingmonkeyswheneverIlike,”shewarned.
Helaughedwithhiswholeheart.HislifehadbeenoverwhenhelefttheStates.Hehadnothingto

comebackto,noreasontolive.Now,thereshestood,thejoyofhislife,thejewelofhiswealth.And
he’dneverwantedmoretolive.

“IhavetophoneSallyandtellherhowyou’reprogressing,”Ebsaid.“Shelikesyou.”
“Ilikeher,too,”Wolfsaid.“Howarethekids?”
“Growingupalltoofast,”Ebsaid.Hewantedtosaysomethingelse,buthedidn’tdare.Hecouldn’t

risklettinganythingslipaboutSara.“I’llbeback.”

“Idon’tknowwhatI’dhavedonewithouthim,”Sarasaid,goingclosetothebed.“Hearrangedto

flymeuphere.Iwasinsuchastate,Icouldneverhavemadeitalone.”

Hecaughtherhandinhisandbroughtthepalmtohismouth,kissingithungrily.“Ididn’tknowifI

wantedtolive,”hesaidroughly.“Untiltheytoldmeyouwerehere.Ithought,ifshecame,itmeans
shecares,evenjustalittle.”

“Shecaresalot,”shemanaged.
Hischestroseandfellheavily.“You’renevergoingtoforgetthatnightatthesymphony,”hesaid

quietly.“Iknowthat,”heinterruptedwhenshetriedtospeak.“Ican’tmakeituptoyou.ButI’mgoing
totry,whenI’moutofhere.”

“Notoutofguilt...!”sheexclaimed.
“Definitelynotoutofguilt,”hesaidsoftly.Hesearchedhereyes.“Youstilldon’tknowalotabout

men.Iwantyou,”headdedhuskily.“Wantyou,Sara.Sobadlythatit’slikelosinganarmoraleg.
Wantyoutothepointofabsolutemadness.”

Shecoloredasshemethisnarrow,glitteringeyes.
“Icanmakeyouwantmeback,”hewhispered.“Icantakeawayallthebadmemories,replacethem

withsweetones.Ifyou’llletme.”

Sheswallowed,hard,andbitdownonherlowerlip.Hereitwas.Thebaretruth.Hewantedtotake

hertobed.

“Don’tlooklikethat,”hesaid.“Don’t.”
Shemovedhershouldersrestlessly.“IknowthatIdidn’trefuse...anythingyoudidtome,andyou

thinkI’m,thatIdon’tmind,that...”

“Sara,”hesaid,tuggingherclosertothebed,“Iwanttomarryyou.”
Hereyeswerelikesaucers.“What?”
“Iwanttomarryyou.”Hescowled.“WhatdidyouthinkIwassuggesting?Someloose

arrangementwhereI’dspendtheoddnightatyourapartment?Honey,ifIeventried,Graysonwould
putmerightthroughawindow!”

“Oh,soyouknowthatshereadsaBibleatnight,”shefaltered.
“Doesshe?”hesaid,backtracking.“Ebsaidshewasveryprotectiveofyou,”heprevaricated.
“Yes,sheis.”Shesearchedhiseyesslowly.“Youwanttomarryme?”
Hesmiledsardonically.“I’mtoooldforyou,webothknowthat...”
“No!Don’tyoueversaythatagain!”Shewentcloser,puttingasofthandoverhiswide,sensuous

mouth.“You’renottooold.”Hereyeswentoverhimlikesoft,searchingfingers.“You’rebeautifulto
me.”

Heletgoofthelastfearhehad,thatshemightonedayregretwhathewasproposing.Shewas

fierce.Likealittlehousewren,protectingherbrood.Hecouldseeherbeingthatwaywithachild.He
wassadthatshe’dgivenuptheirsoutofamistakenimpressionthathedidn’twanther.Butthey’d
haveothers.Hewascertainofit.

“Wheredoyouwanttogetmarried?”heaskedsoftly,cradlingoneofherhandsinhis.
“Couldwedoitattheranch?”sheasked,alleyes.
Hepursedhislips.“Oh,yes,wecoulddoitattheranch,butlet’sgetmarriedfirst,okay?”
“Youdevil!”sheexclaimed.
Hechuckledatherexpression.Itwassoeasynow,totalktoherlikethis.Hewatchedherwitheyes

fullofwonder,softwithaffection.“Sorry.Couldn’tresistit.”Hissmilefaded.“Butyouwillneedto
seethedoctorfirst,Sara,”hesaidfirmly.“Iwon’triskhurtingyouanymorethanIalreadyhave.You
understand?”

Sheswallowed.“Ihadit.”
“What?”
“Ialreadyhadit.Before...Iwenttothesymphony.”Sheloweredhereyes.She’dhadsuchplansfor

thatnight,wheneverythinghadgonewrong.Suchbeautifulplans.

Hedrewinabreath,becauseheknew.Heclosedhiseyesandshuddered.Ifithadn’tturnedoutthe

wayitdid...

Shesawthehurtonhisfaceandquicklyeraseditfromherown.Shesmoothedoverhischest.

“Anyway,it’salreadydone,”shesaidfirmly.

Helookedupatherwithanguishonhisfeatures.“Somuchpain,”hewhispered.
Shetracedhishardmouthandnodded.“Butnomore,”shesaidhuskily.
Hekissedherfingertips.“Nomore,”heagreed.

***

I

T

TOOK

SEVERAL

daysforhimtogetonhisfeet.TheytransferredhimdowntoJacobsvilleviaanair

ambulance.HespentonlyacoupleofdaysinthehospitalbeforeMicahSteelereleasedhim,witha
grinandawarningabouttryingtooverdotoosoon.

SaraassuredhimthatWolfwasn’tdoinganythingheshouldn’tonherwatch.Thebigman,who

lookedmuchmorelikeawrestlerthanadoctor,agreeddemurely.

***

T

HE

COWBOYS

LINED

uptoseethebossbroughtinbyanambulance,hatstotheirchests,almostin

tears.

“WhenIgetup,I’mswattingthelotofyou,”hegrumbled,glaringatthem.“Bulletscan’tkillme!

I’vegotacapeandabigredSonmychest,”headded,laughingsuddenlyandthenwincing,becauseit
hurt.

“We’regladyou’reokay,boss,”hisnewforeman,JarrettCurrier,said,andsmiled.“We’rejust

happytohaveyou...”Helookedpastthebossatthetwowomencomingupthewalkway,andhisblue
eyesflashedfire.“Whatinthehellareyoudoinghere?”

“Watchyourmouth!”Wolfbegan,thinkingthemanmeantSara.
“I’mherelookingafterMissBrandon,”Ameliasaidshortly.“Andwhatareyoudoinghere?Idon’t

rememberanybodysayingyouworkedforMr.Patterson!”

“Istartedlastweek,whenhislivestockforemanretired.IfI’dknownyouwereanywhereonthe

place,I’dneverhaveputinanapplication.”

Hesaiditwithpuremalice.
Ameliajuststaredathim.“TheysaidyouwerestillinAfrica,”shesaidicily.
“Icameback,”hesaidflatly.
“HowcanEbScottbeartopartwithyou?”shesaidwithacoldsmile.
“Ifthat’sahint,I’mnotleaving,”Curriershotback,eyesglitteringather.“Notunlesshefiresme.”

HeindicatedWolf.

“Ihavejustreturnedfromarmedcombat,”Wolfsaidfromthegurney.“AndIwouldappreciatenot

beinglandedinanothercombatzoneuntilIcanrecover!”

“Sorry,boss,”Curriersaidgrimly.
“Sorry,boss,”Ameliaagreedatonce.
Curriernoddedtohisboss,turnedandstompedofftowardthebarn.Theothercowboysmurmured,

greetedthebossandfollowedhimaway.

“Sothat’sthereasonyoudidn’twanttocomebacktoComancheWells,”Sarasaidwhiletheywere

unloadingWolfinhisbedroom.“I’msorry,Amelia.IfyouwanttogobacktotheWyomingplace...”

“Ican’t,”Ameliasaidgently.Butherfacewastragic.Whateverhadhappenedbetweenherandthe

newforemanwasobviouslystillextremelytraumatic.

“Yes,youcan,”Sarareplied.“Listen,I’llbeperfectlysafehere.YouknowIwill.”Shehuggedthe

otherwoman.“Goon.I’llbebackbeforeyouknowit.”

“Butyou’regettingmarried.”
Sarasmiled.“I’mnotgivinguptheranch.Meanwhile,whoknowswhatmighthappen?Goon.You

haven’tevenunpacked.Phonethelimocompanyandgetaticket.Businessclass,Amelia,nottourist.
ThenyoucanramrodMarsdenandtheotherswhileI’mgone.Okay?”

“You’rethenicestbossintheworld,”Ameliasaid,thinkingthatshe’dhavetotalktoEbScott

covertlyandmakehimawarethatshewasleaving.ButSarawasright.Therewasenoughprotection
heretosafeguardtenthreatenedpeople,muchlesstwo.

“Callmewhenyougethome,soI’llknowyoulandedsafely.Okay?”Saraasked.
Ameliasmiledwanly.“Okay.”
SarawonderedwhatintheworldhadcausedthemiseryshesawinAmelia’sfacewhenthat

handsomecowboyhadstartedragingather.Butitwaspersonal,andshewouldn’tpry.Shesawher
friendoff.ThenshewenttocheckonWolf.

***

“B

ETTER

?”

SHE

ASKED

HIM

,notinghiscolorwasnormalnow,andhelookedrestedandinmuchless

pain.

“Better,”hesaid,hiseyessoftandtenderonherface.“YousentGraysonbacktoWyoming.”
Shenoddedthengrimaced.“Yournewlivestockforemanisapaininthebutt,”sheinformedhim.“I

don’tlikethewayhespoketoAmelia.”

“NeitherdoI.I’llmakesureheknowsit.Butit’snotabadthingforustobealonehere,atthe

moment,”headdedinadeep,softtone.“Notabadthingatall,Sara.”

Shecolored,butherblackeyessmiledathim.“Youaren’tthatfitjustyet,”shesaid.
“Iknowit.”Heleanedbackagainstthepillows.
“CanIgetyouanything?”
“Mycomputer,”hesaid.“It’sonthedesk.Thengrabsomepillowsandclimbinherewithme.”
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”sheasked.
Hegaveherawickedgrin.
Shecaughtherbreath.
Helaughed.“No,notthat.Notyet.We’regoingshopping,precious.”
“Shopping?”
“Yes.IfAmazon.comdoesn’thaveit,itdoesn’texist.Right?”
Shelaughed.“Right.”

***

T

HEY

PICKED

OUT

asetofweddingringsforSara,emeraldanddiamond,andaplaingoldbandfor

Wolf,andhadthemsentovernight.SarahadbloodworkdoneatthehospitalwhileWolfwasthere,
andMicahhadalreadydrawnbloodfromhimforthetests.TheyhadtheresultsbeforeWolfwas
released.

“Tomorrowwe’llhavetherings.IsentEboffforthemarriagelicense.Twodaysfromtoday,”he

said,searchinghereyes,“I’mmarryingyou.Righthere,attheranch.Iwantyoutogointotownto
Marcella’sboutiqueinJacobsville.She’smakingyourgown.”

“Agown?Aweddinggown...”Shehadn’tconsideredthat.
“I’mgoingtostuffmyselfintoamorningcoat,”hechuckled.“Andtrynottofaintatthealtar.”He

shookhishead.“I’mnotlettingyougetaway.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“You’remine.”

Shemethiseyes.“Andyou’remine,”shewhispered.
Hischestroseandfellroughly.“Canyouputthisawayforme?”heasked.Hecutoffthecomputer

quickly,beforeshecouldseetheicons.Shemightnotrecognizevideogaming,buthedidn’twantto
sharethatpartofhislifewithherjustyet.Shemightbejealousoftheunknownwomanhe’dbeen
playingwithfortwoyears.Hewouldtellher.Justnotyet.Eventhoughitwasn’taromantic
relationship,itwasoneoffriends.Hehopedshe’dunderstand.

Shetookthecomputer,setitonhisdeskandpluggeditbackin.Shewentbacktohim.“Icanfix

yousomethingtoeat,ifyou’rehungry.”

“I’mveryhungry,”heagreed,lookingatherintheblackslacksandblackturtlenecksweatershe

waswearing.“Lockthedoorandletyourhairdown.”

Shestaredathim.“What?”
“Lockthedoorandletyourhairdown.I’mstarvingtodeath.”
Shefeltbreathlessjustlookingathim.“Wolf,yourchest...”
“Idon’tcareifitkillsme,”hewhisperedroughly.Hisfaceshowedthestrain.“Oh,God,honey,I’m

dying...!”

Shewentandlockedthedoor.Sheunpluggedthephone.Sheletherhairdown.Thenshetookoff

thesweaterandtheslacks.Herhandshesitatedatthebra.

“Comehere,”hesaidsoftly.“I’lldothatmyself.”
Shewenttohim,ashungryashewas.Ithadbeenaverylongtime.HerconversationswithEmma

Cainhadshownherthatshe’dletasadincidentruleherlifeforfartoolong.Wolfwasn’tamanbent
onhurtingher.Hewas,inaveryrealsense,herlover.Andshewantedhim.Shewantedtomarryhim,
livewithhim,lovehimallherlife.

Hewaswearingpajamabottoms,butheslidthoseoffasshecametothebed.Hetossedbackthe

coversandletherlookathim.Hewaspainfullyarousedalready.

“Youreallyare...magnificent,”shewhisperedunsteadily.
“Onlyforyou,”hereplied,andheldouthisarms.
Shewentdownintothem,shiveringalittlewhenherbodytouchedhis.Heturnedher,grimacinga

little.Themuscleswerestillsore.

“Areyousure?”shebegan.
Hebrushedhismouthoverhers.“I’mverysurethatI’lldieifIcan’thaveyou,”hewhisperedback.
“Iwouldn’twantthat,”shewhispered,archingashefoundtheclaspofthebraandloosenedit,

pushingitawayfromherbreasts.

Helookedatthem,frowning.“You’rebigger,”hewhispered.“OramIjustimaginingit?”
“I’vegainedweight,”shelied.
“Isthatit?”Hesmiled.“It’sverybecoming.”Hetracedthesoftfleshdowntohernipplesandback

again,watchinghermovesensuouslyagainstthegentlepressure.“Doyoulikethat?”

“Iloveit.”
Hetuggedoffherbriefsandtossedthemtothefloor.Hisfacewassolemn.“We’veplayedatthis,”

hesaidgently.“Butthisistherealthing.Ihavetobeslowandcarefulwithyou.Itmaybe
uncomfortable,evenwiththesurgery.I’mover-endowed.”

“Inoticed.”Sheflushed,tryingtosoundsophisticatedandfailingmiserably.
Hesmiled.“You’renervous.Don’tbe.IknowexactlywhatI’mdoing.Thistime,”hewhisperedas

heloweredhismouthtohers,“therewon’tbeanyhurtfulremarks.Ionlywanttopleaseyou,inevery
singlewayIcan.”

Shetriedtoanswerhim,buthismouthwasonherhard-tippedbreasts,andshewaslost.Hismouth

slidupanddownher,touchingherinnewways,inplacesshehadn’texpected.Shefoughthimalittle
atfirst,untilthesensualitymadeherreckless,madeherhungry,madeherwild.

Shecriedoutsoftlyashetouchedher,hisfingersprobing,teasing,enticing.Hismouthburrowed

gentlyintoherswhilehearousedhertosuchapitchthatshewasmoaninglongbeforehebeganto
moveoverher.

“Thisiswhereitmightget...complicated,”hebreathedintohermouthasheslowly,gently,beganto

enterher.

Hereyesopenedverywideasshefelt,forthefirsttimeinherlife,intimatecontactwithaman.
Inthedarkenedbedroom,therewasstillenoughlightforhimtoseeherface,drawn,tense,

uncertain.

“Shh,”hewhispered.Heshiftedhiships,watchingher.“That’sit,”hemurmuredwhenshejerked.

“YoufeelitwhenIdothat,don’tyou?Liftyourhips,justalittle...that’sit.You’redoingfine.Just
fine.”

Shehardlyheardhim.Somethingwashappening.Somethingnew.Somethingshe’dneverfelt

before,evenwithhim.Hereyeswidened,andhermouthopenedasajoltofsensationso
excruciatinglypainfulasdeathitselfliftedhertowardhimwithpureexquisitepassion.

“There...!”shecriedout.“There.Oh,there...!”Hereyesclosedonaharshmoan,herteethclenched.

Sheliftedandliftedandlifted,pleading,herbodystrainingtoholdontosomethingsosweetthatshe
didn’tevenknowifshecouldsurviveit.“There,”shechokedout,shuddering.“Yes,there,rightthere,
right...”

Shecriedout,asoundshe’dneverheardfromherownthroatinherlife.Herbodyconvulsedunder

hisdelightedgaze.Hewatchedher,gloriedinthefulfillmenthecouldseeinthetautarchofherbody,
inthehelplesscriesofpleasure,intheshuddering,endlessclimaxthatdroveherhipsupintohiswith
suchpressurethathecouldfeelherhipbonesdiggingintohim.Andstillsheshuddered,andsobbed,
clingingtohim,herfacerigidwithecstasy,hereyesclosed,herbreastsarchingupagainsthischest.

Shefelthiminsideher.Felthimswell,feltthepowerandheatofhim.Buthewasonlygiving

pleasure,nottakingit.Shefoughttogetherbreath,tostopcrying.Ithadbeensosweet,sobeautiful...

“Please,”shewhispered.
Hewassmilingtenderly.Hemovedhiships.“Likethis?”
“No.Foryou,”shewhisperedback.“IwantwhatIhad,foryou,”shesaid.“Tellmewhattodo.I’ll

doanything.Anything!”

Hisfacewasastudyintenderness.“Youdon’thavetodoathing.”Hishipsmovedandhisteeth

clenched.“Notnow.”

“Iwon’twatch,”shewhispered.“Ipromise.”Sheclosedhereyes.
“Don’tdothat,”hewhisperedback,hisvoiceterseashemoveddeeperinsideher.“Watchme.

Lookatme.Ibelongtoyouassurelyasyoubelongtome.Yougaveyourself.NowI’mgiving
myself.Watch...!”

Hewentofflikefireworks.Shesawhisbodyarchoverher,hishipsgrindingdownintohers,his

facetormented,histhroatastautasrope.Hewasshuddering.Hismouthopenedonaharsh,helpless
cryashisbodyconvulsedoverandoverandoveragain.Hesobbedasthepassionspentitselfinhim,
ashefelthisbodyexplodewithpleasure.Itwasthesecondtimeinhislifehe’deverhadanorgasm.
Likethis,thefirsthadbeenwithher,withthebeautiful,sensualwomanunderhisbody,clingingto
him,soothinghimashecameslowlybackdownfromanincredibleheight.

“It’sallright,”shewhispered,touchinghim,kissinghimtenderly,herlipsalloverhisface,his

eyes,whichwereoddlywet.“It’sallright,mydarling.It’sallright.”

Theendearment,thetendernessofherlipsonhisface,weretearinghimapartinside.Hecouldn’t

bearthepainhe’dcausedher.He’dgivenhersolittle,andshe’djustgivenhimparadise.He’dnever
knownsuchjoy.Suchpeace.

Hecradledheragainsthim,dampwithsweat,stillshiveringintheaftermath.
“Areyouallright?”sheaskedathischest,worried.“Itdidn’thurtyou?”
Hisarmdrewhercloser.“Ineverknewwhatthehelltheyweretalkingaboutwhentheymentioned

orgasmsuntilyoucamealong,”hemurmuredunsteadily.“MyGod!Ithinkmywholebody
exploded.”

Shelaughedsoftly,secretively.“Sodidmine.”
“Yes.Isaw.Iwatchedyou.”
“Youdid?”
Herolledoverandlookeddownintoherwide,softeyes.“Idreamedofgoinginsideyoulikethis,”

hewhispered.“Iachedtodoit,tomakeyoufeelwhatIfeltthatlasttimeweweretogether.Andthen
Yseracamebackintotheworldandputyouatrisk.AndI...”Hisvoicebroke.

“Wolf?”
“Icostyouourbaby.”Heburiedhisfaceinherthroat.Hiseyeswerewet!

“Oh,mydarling,no.No!Youdidn’t!”
“Youwenttoaclinic...!”
“Wolf,lookatme.Lookatme!”
Hedashedathiseyesandliftedhishead,reluctantly.Hisexpressionwoundedher.Itwastautwith

anguish.

Shetookhishandanddrewitoverherbreasts.“Turnonthelight,please.”
Theroomwasn’tdark,butitwashardtoseedetails.Hegrimacedashereachedforthelightswitch

andputonthesmalllamponthenighttable.

“Lookatme,”shesaid,drawinghisfingersoverherbreasts.“I’mnotpaleenoughforittoshow

much,”shewhispered,“butdoyouseeallthelittleveins?”

Hefrowned.Therewerealotofthem.Hedidn’trememberthemfrombefore.“Yes.”
“They’refeedingthemilkglands,”shewhispered.“They’repreparingme,sothatIcanproduce

milk.”

Heblinked.Hishandwasfascinatedwithherbeautifulbreast.Itwasfuller,softer,thanhe

rememberedit.Hesmiledwithpleasure.Whathadshesaid?Somethingaboutmilk?

“Sweetheart,breastsonlyproducemilkwhentherearegoingtobebabies,”hesaidwithafaint

smile.

“Yes,Iknow.”
Hewasverystillforaminute.Hishandpresseddownagainstherbreast.Heliftedhispaleeyesto

hersandpinnedherwiththem.

Shetookhishandanddrewitslowlydownherbodytothesmallhardnessthere,andpresseditto

her.

“Oh,myGod,”hebreathedreverently.Hewentpale.
“Iwentthroughthefrontdoorandoutthebackdooroftheclinic,”shefaltered.“Icouldn’t.I

just...couldn’t.Ididn’tknowhowyou’dreact.Ithoughtyoumightnotwantthebaby,butIdid,and...”

Hismouthcutofftherestofthehurriedlittlespeech.Hewaskissingher,inawaythatheneverhad

before.Hiswholebodywasshaking.Hegatheredhercloseandjustheldher,rockedher,hisface
buriedinherthroat.

“Wolf?”sheasked,surprised.
“Justgivemeaminute,”hewhisperedgrufflyinherear.“Thetripfromhelltoheaventakesalittle

timetoadjustto.”

Shecouldn’trepressasoftlaugh.Herarmsstolearoundhimandheldhimtight.“Iwouldhavesaid

somethingsooner,”shesaid.“ButIwasafraid.”

“YouthoughtIwouldn’twantababy.”
“Ididn’tknow.Iwasafraidyouwouldn’twantsomethingpermanent,withme.AndIcouldn’tlive

somewhereelseandhaveyoucometovisitthebaby...”

Hisarmscontracted.“Wegotofftoarockystart,”hesaidinherear.“Wedidn’tknowverymuch

abouteachother,andweweretoohungryforeachothertotaketimetotalk.”

“Yes.”
Heliftedhishead.“Iwantababy,”hesaidsolemnly.“Iwantyou.Iwantmarriage.”
Shesearchedhiseyes.“Areyousure?”
“Ihaveneverbeenmoresureofanythinginmylife.”
Sherelaxedalittle.“Okay.”
Hersoftmovementtriggeredasudden,sharparousal.Hegrimacedandstartedtomoveaway.
“Whereareyougoing?”sheasked,pullinghimbacktoher.

“You’repregnant,”hebegan.Hewinced.“Imighthavealreadyhurtthebaby.Iwassohungryfor

you.Iwasrough!”

“Youweren’trough,andbabiesareverysturdy,”shemurmured.Shereacheddown,boldly,and

ranherfingersoverhim.Heshuddered.“Nowyoujustcomerightbackhereandletmetakecareof
thatlittleproblemyou’vegot...”

“Little?”hemanagedasherolledherontoherbackandwentintoher.
Shegasped.“Ooookkay,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Notsolittle...!”
Helaughedwickedly.“Andverysoon,perhapsnotevenbigenough,”hesaidhuskilyashismouth

moveddownoverhers.“Letmeteachyousomethingnew.Drawyourlegsinbetweenbothofmine.”

Shegaspedagain.
“Oh,yes,that’stheway,”hegroanedashemoveddownagainsther.
Sheshivered.Herbodytautenedasthepleasurecameback,suddenlyandverydeep.Shelifted

againsthim.

“Ilikethat,”hewhisperedintohermouth.“Doitagain.”
Shedid.Hewasmorepotentthanhe’dbeenbefore.Shecaughtherbreathashemoveddeeper,

slower,intothesoftnessofher.

“You’revery,veryaroused,”hemurmuredintohermouth,“andsensitized,aswell.I’mgoingto

shootyouofflikearocket,”hewhisperedroughly.“AndI’mgoingtowatchyougo.”

Sheshivered.Thepleasurewasbitingintoherlikehotnails,liftingher,grindingherupintohim.

Shewasfranklyafraid,nervousaboutevenbeingabletosurviveit,itwassooverwhelming.

Shedidn’trealizethatshe’dwhisperedthattohim,frantically,untilsheheardthesoft,deep

laughteraboveher.

“You’lllive,”hewhisperedunsteadilyasthesharp,quickmovementsbegantotakeherrightupthe

spiralintounknownheights.“Butyou’llblusheverytimeyoulookatme...foraweek,”heconcluded.

Shebegantocryout,hervoicethrobbingintunewithherbodyasshearchedandshiveredandthen

climaxedoverandoverandoveragainuntilshethoughtshecouldn’tlivethroughit.Atthelast,she
heardadeepgroanfromaboveher,feltafuriousshudder,andthendrivingmovementsthatendedin
convulsionssoviolentthatsheworriedifhewasgoingtosurviveit,aswell.

Theyshudderedtogether,sweatingallover,tremblingintheaftermathofsomethingsopowerful

thatneitherofthemcouldevenspeak.

“Thebaby,”hewhisperedroughly,hishandgoingprotectivelytoherbelly.
“Thebabyisfine,”shewhisperedback.Hetriedtoliftaway,butsheheldhisbelovedweightover

her,clinging.“Don’tmove,”shewhispered.“Ilovefeelingyouonme,feelingyourweight.”

“I’mheavy,”hesaid.
Shesmiledagainsthisthroat.“No,you’renot.”
Heshiveredagainashemoved.“Damn,”hegroaned.
“Damn?”sheasked.
Helaughed.“I’msore.”
Hereyeswereverywide.“You’re...what?”
“Sore.”Hepursedhislipsashelookeddownatherwithpossessionandaffectionandpurejoy.

“Verysore.”Hedrewback,wincing.

Shewinced,too.
“See?”
Herolledoverontohisback,groaning.“That’swhatwegetforoverdoing.”
Shesatup,laughingdelightedly.Shewincedagain.“Ididn’tknowpeoplegotsore.”

Hecockedaneyebrow.“What,afterreadingallthosetorridnovels?”
“They’reromanticnovels,notanatomybooks,”shereplied.
Hedrewinabreath,relaxed,comfortable,lettingherlookathimwithcomplacentamusement.

“Speakingofanatomylessons,”hemused.

Sheflushed.
“Itoldyouthatyou’dblushfordays,”hepointedout.Hegrinned.
Shelaugheddelightedly.
Hecaughtherhandandpulledittohislips.“Sonowwehavearealproblem.”
Shestiffened.“Wedo?”
“Yes.Graysonisgoingtohavetocomebackdownhereandlive.Howdowemanagethatwithout

firingmynewforeman?”

Sheletgothelastbitofherfears.“Wegohomeandtellheraboutthebaby,”shesaidsimply.She

smiled.“That’sallit’sgoingtotake.”

“Thebaby.”Hedrewheroverandpressedhismouthhungrilytotheswellofherstomach.“I

wonderifamancandieofhappiness.”

“Don’tyoudaretrytofindout,”shesaidfirmly.
Hesmiledagainstherbelly.“Arewehavingaboyoragirl?”
“Yes.”
Heburstoutlaughing.“Which?”
“We’llfindoutwhenheorsheisborn,”shereplied.“Idon’twanttoknow.Notyet.”
Heliftedhishead.“NeitherdoI.Peoplewilllaugh.”
“Letthem.It’smybaby.Ourbaby.”
“Ourbaby,”hewhispered.Hisheartwasbursting.He’dneverdreamedthatoutofsuchtragedy

couldcomesuchjoy.

Butthenextmorning,everythingchanged.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

S

ARA

WAS

STILL

asleepwhenthephonerang.Wolfreachedpastherhead,pillowedonhisshoulder,to

gethiscellphoneoffthebedsidetable.

“Hello?”
“It’sEb.Listen,youhavetogetSaraoutofthere,rightnow,”hesaidurgently.
Hesatup,displacingher.Shewokeupandstaredathimsleepily.
“Whatisit?ThemanYserasent...?”
“No,they’vegothimincustody.Thatthreatisover,”hesaid.“Thisissomethingnew,something

worse.Thereportersgotholdofthestory.YouknowwhereGabeis,whathe’sdoing?”

“Iknowwhereheis.Isheallright?”
“Yes.I’vegothimstashed,alongwithhisunit,inaluxuryhotelintheMiddleEast.Buthisward,

yourememberher,MichelleGodfrey?”

“Yes,”hesaid.
“Shecameouttointerviewmelastweek.Ithoughtshewasgoingtobefair,totellthewholestory.

Shedidn’t,”hesaidcoldly.“ShetoldtheworldthatGabrielandhismenledamassacreagainst
womenandchildren.Theyprintedphotos...”

“Gabrielwoulddiebeforehe’dhurtachild!”Wolfraged.
“Iknowthat,”Ebgroaned.“Itisn’twhatitlookslike.IhavethemhiddenandI’vehiredattorneys

andaprivateinvestigator,butit’sgoingtobeapublicitynightmareforawhile.They’llfindSara,if
theyhaven’talready.”

“I’llgetherbacktoWyomingtoday,”hesaid.
“Youaren’tfittotravel,”Ebprotested.
“I’mgoing.TheyhavedoctorsinWyoming.”HelookeddownatSara’sdrawnface,touchedit

gently.“We’llleaveassoonaswe’repacked.Theirwarddidthis?Michelle?”

“Michelle.”Sara’seyeswidened.“Whatdidshedo?”shewhispered.
Wolfputhishandoverthephone.“I’lltellyouinaminute.”HewentbacktoEb.“Why?”heasked.
“Shedidn’tknowGabeusedadifferentnamewhenhedidjobsforme,”Ebsaidshortly.“Oneofus

shouldhavetoldher.Ididn’trealizewhatmighthappen.She’sdevastated,butthingshavegonetoo
far.Getoutofthereassoonasyoucan.Satellitetrucksarepoppinguplikedaisiesaroundhere
already.”

“Thanks,Eb.Foreverything.”
“You’remyfriend.I’llhelpanywayIcan.Hurry.”Hehungup.
Wolfgotoutofbed,drawingSaraupbesidehim.“We’llhaveaquickshower,thenwe’llpack.I’ll

tellyouwhilewe’rebathing.”

HepulledherintotheshowerandtoldherwhatMichellehaddone.Tearsmingledwithsoapand

water.Heheldher,rockedher,whilesheletitallout.

“Howcouldshedothattomybrother?”shewailed.“Ithoughtshelovedhim!”
“Shedidn’tknowwhoAngelLeVeutwas,”herepliedheavily.“Nobodytoldher.”
“I’llneverforgiveher,”shesaid.“Never!”
“Neverisalongtime.Wehavetogetmoving.”
“You’restillnotrecovered,”shesobbed.“Andthewedding...!”
“We’lltakeeverythingwithustoWyoming,”hesaidsoftly.“I’mabsolutelycertaintheyhave

ministersupthere.”Hepursedhislips.“Andwe’dbetterfindonequick,becausethere’snowayI’d

getpastGraysonwithoutamarriagelicense.”

“Howdoyouknowsomuchabouther?”sheasked.
Hekissedhertenderly.“Ihavespies.Neveryoumind,jealousheart,theonlywomanI’veever

wantedenoughtomarryisyou.Period.”

Becausehewantedher?Notbecausehelovedher?Shewasn’tsure.Butshedidn’thavethestrength

towalkawayfromhim.Shelovedhimfartoomuch,nowmorethanever,withhisbabygrowing
insideherbody.

***

T

HEY

FLEW

TO

Wyomingonaprivatejet.

“Ihaveapropertynearby,youknow,”heremindedher.
“Yes,youwentthereandstayedforalongtime,”sherecalled.
Hishandtightenedonhers.“Runningawayfromthememories,”hesaid.“Icouldn’trunfar

enough.AndthenItookyououttotheballetthatweneverattended.”Hisfacedarkened,andhe
avertedhiseyes.“Iwishwecouldgobackandredothatnight,”hesaidquietly.

“Idon’t,”shewhispered,snugglingclose.“That’swhenwemadethebaby.”
Hisbodyshivered.Hedrewherclose,hisfaceburiedinherwarmthroat.“Yes,butstill...”
“Youmadeituptomelastnight.Youmadeupeverythinglastnight,”shewhisperedinhisear,

shivering.“Itwas...indescribable.”

“Forme,too,Sara,”hereplied.Hekissedherclosedeyelids.“Forme,too.”

***

T

HEY

HIRED

A

limousineinSheridantotakethemouttotheranch,buttheystoppedalongthewayata

smallMethodistchurch.

Wolftuggedheralongwithhim.“Youwon’thaveaproperdress,”hesaid.“Ortherings,justyet.

They’reenroute.ButIhavethepapersweneed,ifyou’llmarryme,rightnow.”

“I’dmarryyouinbluejeans,ifthatwastheonlyway,”shesaidwithbreathlessdelight.
Hesmiled.“TheReverendBaileyisafriendofJakeBlair,theministerwhosechurchyouvisitedin

Jacobsville.He’safriendofmine.SohecalledtheReverendBaileyandexplainedthings.We’re
expected.”

Theywalkedintothechurch.Thealtarhadflowers.Thereverendgreetedthemholdingoutagray

jeweler ’sbox.

“Isn’titamazingwhatyoucanfindjustwhenyouneedit?”Wolfmurmured,winkingatthe

minister,who’dgoneshoppingforhim.Heopenedthebox.Thereweretwogoldringsinside,wide
bands.Oneforher,oneforhim.“Yellowgold.Inoticedthatit’sallyouwear.”

“Iloveit.”Shetouchedtheringsandlookedupathim.“Icouldwearacigarband,though.Itwould

beenough.”

Hebentandkissedhereyelidsshutwithsuchtendernessthatoneofthewomenstandingatthealtar

hadtodashawayatear.

“Mywifeandmotheraregoingtobewitnessesforus,”theReverendBaileysaid.“Ifyou’re

ready?”

Wolflookeddownather.“I’veneverbeensoreadyinmylife.”
“Me,either,”Sarasaidsoftly.
“Thenletusbegin.”

***

I

T

WAS

A

briefceremony,poignantforallthat.Wolfslidtheringontoherfinger.Itfitperfectly.She

slidoneontohis,whichalsofit.Theyrepeatedthewordsofthemarriageceremony,lookinginto
eachother ’seyes.Theministerpronouncedthemmanandwife.

Saracriedsilentlyashebenttokissherwithachingtenderness.
“Mrs.Patterson,”hewhispered,andhesmiled.
Shesmiledback.
Hekissedawaythetearswhiletheministerfilledoutthemarriagelicense.
“Andnow,”hesaidafterthey’dshakenhandsandbeencongratulated,andhe’dmadesurethe

ministerhadanicemementoofhiskindnessintheformofseverallargebillsfortheindigentfund,
“wegohome.Andifwe’relucky,afterwedisplaythelicense,Graysonwillallowyoutosleepwith
me,”headdedastheypiledintothelimousine.

Helaughedashesaidit.Shelaughed,too,pressingclose.
“Sadly,”hesaidheavily,“sleepisallit’sgoingtobefortheimmediatefuture.”Heleanedclose.

“I’mstillsore.”

Sheburstoutlaughingandtriednottoblush.
Graysonmetthematthedoor.Shewasallsmiles.“Imadeacake!”shesaid.“It’sthefirsttimeI’ve

evertriedtomakeone.Itmaynotbeverygood.ButImadequicheandcroissants,andtheycameout
perfectly!”

Wolfstaredather.“Youfeelingokay,Grayson?”heasked.
Sheglaredathim.“Icancook.”
Hepursedhislips.“Snake,yes.I’mnotsureaboutcroissantsand...”
“Youjustcomeinhereandtasteitbeforeyoustartmakingsnideremarks,”shescoffed.Shesmiled

atSara.“Howareyou?”

“Sad,”shesaid.“MywardsoldGabrielout.”
“Iheard.It’sonthenews,everywhere,”shesaid.“They’llprobablytrytocomehere,”sheadded

withaworriedlookatWolf.

“Alltakencareof,”hereplied.“Icalledinmarkersfromeverylaw-enforcementagencyIknow.

EventheU.S.ForestService.Sincethisranchborderstheirland,wehaveafew,shallwesay,perks.”

“Whichare?”Saraasked.
“Waitandsee.”Hegrinnedather.Hepulledhercloseandkissedherprettycheek.
“Okay,now,”Graysonbegan.
Wolfhandedherthemarriagelicense.
Shestaredatit,athim,atSara,withdisbeliefinherbrowneyes.
“Icangetmarriedlikeanybodyelse,”hesaiddefensively.
Shefeltherforehead.“MaybeI’mhallucinating.”
“No,thatwouldmeanthatyougotmarried,”hereturned.“Andhellwouldalsobefreezingoverat

thesametime.”

“Doyoutwoknoweachother?”Saraaskedwithveiledsuspicion.
“Sortof,”theybothsaidinunisonandthengrimacedtogether.
WolflookedatGraysonandthrewuphishands.“Damn.Youcan’tkeepsecretsfromher.Okay.It

wasEb’sidea.Graysonisoneofhis.”

Sara’sexpressionwasjustshortofcomical.“You’rea...amerc?”

Graysonshifteduncomfortably.“I’maprofessionalsoldier,”shemuttered.
“You’reamerc,”Wolfmuttered.
Graysonsighed.“I’mamerc,”sheagreed.
“Butwhy,how...?”
“WewereafraidYseramightknowaboutyou,”Ameliasaidgently.“Noneofuswantedtoseeyou

hurt,butitwasn’tpossibletoputsomebodyintheapartmentwithyouunlessitwasacompanion.And
wesawyouradvertisement.Everythingfellintoplaceperfectly.”

“Mybrothermusthavedonethat,”Sarasaid.“Heknew!”
“Yes.ItwaswhenhecamehomeforMichelle’sgraduation,”Ameliaremindedher.
Saradidn’treply.ShelookedupatWolf.
“I’dhurtyousobadly,”hesaid,wincing.“Icouldn’tbearitifanythinghappenedtoyou.Neither

couldyourbrother.SohepersuadedyoutoplacetheadandhadGraysonanswerit.”

Sheletoutasigh.“Well,atleastIfeelsafernow.”SheglancedatGraysonandthenwinced.She

lookedupatWolf.“Who’sgoingtotellher?”

“You’reawoman.Soisshe.”Wolflookeduncomfortable.
“Yes,butyou’veknownherlongerthanIhave.”
“Tellmewhat?”Ameliaasked.
“It’snotsomethingIfeelIshoulddo,”Wolfsaid.
“You’remakingsuchheavyweatherofit...”
“Tellmewhat?”Ameliaaskedagain,impatiently.
“Ifyou’djustdoit,”Saragroaned.
“Idon’twanttodoit,”hegroaned,too.
“Tellmewhat,damnit!”Ameliaburstout.
“I’mpregnant,”SarablurtedoutatthesametimeWolfsaid,“She’spregnant.”
Ameliagapedatthem.
Wolfproducedthemarriagelicenseandwaveditather.
Shedrewinabreath.ShelookedatSara,whoseeyeswereclouding.“Oh,comehere,”shesaid,

huggingtheyoungerwomanclose.“I’mnotjudgmental.Igotochurch,butIdon’ttellpeoplehowto
live.Andifyougotpregnantbeforeyougotmarried,it’sallhisfault,anyway.”

“What?”heburstout.
AmeliaglaredathimoverSara’sshoulder.“Iknowallaboutmen,”shemuttered.“Iusedtowork

withmen.Toughmenwhodidn’twantcommitment.Theytalkedaboutthewomentheyliedto...”

“Itwasanaccident,”Wolfsaidinasubduedtone,lookingatSarawitheyesthatadoredher.“But

I’mnotsorry.I’llneverbesorry.Sara,andababy.It’slikeChristmas.”

AmelialetgoofSaraandwalkeduptothebigman.“I’msorry.Ididn’tknowyouverywell.I

madeassumptions.”Shehuggedhim,thenmovedaway.“I’mreallysorry.”Shebrightened.“Ican
crochet.I’llmakelittlebootiesandblanketsand...Doyouwantsomethingtoeat?”

“Thatwentwell,”hewhisperedintoSara’searastheyfollowedAmelia,whowasstilltalking,

towardthekitchen.

“Coward,”shewhisperedback,andbumpedherhipagainsthis.
“Samebackatyou,”hewhispered,andbumpedher.Thenhegroaned,becauseithurt.
Shelaughed,pressingclose.

***

B

UT

WHEN

THEY

sawthenews,later,itwasagonyforSara,towatchherbrotherbeingbarbecuedby

themediaforsomethingsheknewhedidn’tdo.

Gabrielmanagedtogetacallthroughtoherlaterintheday.“Thestory’sgoingtobreaklikea

cartonofeggsonpavement,”hetoldhissister.“Idon’tknowhowthehelltheyfoundoutsoquickly.”

“Ourwardtoldthem,”sherepliedcoldly.
“Michelle?”heasked,aghast.“No!No,shewouldneverdothattome!”
“Shedid,”camethetersereply.“Shewasonthenews,explainingherposition.Shetoldthemthat

Americanswhoperpetratedsuchoffensesshouldbepubliclyhanged.”

Hewassilent.“Iwouldn’thavebelieveditofher.”
“NorwouldI.Notafterallwe’vedoneforher,”Sarasaid.
“Idon’twanttoseeheragain.Ever.Iwantheroutofmylife,outofyours.”
“Yes.I’lltakecareofthat.Youbecareful,”sheaddedgently.“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too.”
“There’sonelittlethingIshouldtellyou...”
“What?”
“I’mpregnant.”
Therewasashockedpause.“Wolfsaidyouwenttoaclinic...”
“Idid.Iwentinthefrontdoorandouttheback.AndWolfandIweremarriedthismorning.”
“Ineedtositdown.”
Shelaughedsoftly.“I’msohappy,”shewhispered,loweringhervoicesoWolfwouldn’thearand

beembarrassed.“IlovehimsomuchIcanhardlybearit.Hewantsthebaby,verymuch.”

“I’msurethathewantsyou,too,”hesaid.
“He’sveryfondofme,”shesaid,hidinghersadnessthatitwasn’tmore.He’dnevermentioned

deeperfeelings.Shehopedtheymightcome,afterthebabywasborn.“Andmycompanionturnsout
tobeafemalemerc,howaboutthat?”sheaddedwithalittlevenom.

“GunsGraysonisn’tgoingtoletanythinghurtyou,”hebegan.
“Guns?”
“She’sthebestshotintheunit,”hesaid,chuckling.“Oneoftheguys,andImeanthatinthebest

possibleway.She’sveryreligious.Weweren’tevenallowedtocursearoundher.Gavesomeofthe
guysfits.”

“Icanimagine!Guns,huh?”Shechuckled.
“Ihavetogo.”
“EbScottsaystheyhaveattorneysforyou.Itwillworkout.Iknowitwill.”
“Me,too,butit’sgoingtoberoughforawhile,untilthemediafindsanotherjuicierbonetochew

on,”hesaidwithresignation.“I’llbeintouch,butitmayhavetobethroughEb.Ican’triskhaving
anyonetraceme.”

“Okay.Besafe.”
“Youbesafe.Wolfwilltakecareofyou.GoodLord,youshouldhaveseenhimwhenhecame

here,onhiswaytoYsera.Itellyou...What?”Therewasapause.“Okay.Ihavetogo.Loveyou,sis.”

“Loveyou.”
Shehungup,wonderingwhathewasgoingtosayaboutWolf.Butthenhermindwentbacktothe

sourceofthisnewmisery.Herlifewasinturmoilalloveragain.SowasGabriel’s.

Andsheknewwhotoblame.ShecalledMichelle.Shewasgoodforfiveminutes.Whenshehung

up,shewascertainthatsheneverwantedtoseeorhearfromthegirleveragain.

Wolfheldherwhileshecried.

“Ineverthoughtshe’ddothistous.Iknewshewantedtobeajournalist,Iencouragedher.Sodid

Gabriel.ButIneverdreamed...”

“Shh,”hewhisperedgently,rockingheragainsthim.“Lifegoeson.Peopledoterriblethings.Then

theypayforthem.”

Hisvoicewasfullofremorse.
Shedrewbackandlookedupathim.“Ineverblamedyou.”
“Iblamedmyself.”Hesmoothedbackthelong,blackhairfromherbeautifulface.“Ialmostdied.

ButIkepthearingyourvoice,whisperingtome.Iheldon,becauseIthoughtyoumightcare,justa
little...”

Shepressedclose.“Alittle!”Shegroaned.Shepressedcloser.
Hewasverystill.Hewasthinking,addingthingsupinhismind.Hereagerresponsetohim,with

hertragicpast.Thewayshelovedhishandsonher.Thewayshereactedwhenhetouchedher,giving,
alwaysgiving...

“Youloveme,”hewhispered,aweinhistone.
Shedrewinabreath.“Youbig,stupidman.OfcourseIloveyou.WhywouldIeverhaveletyou

touchmeifIhadn’t?”

Hechuckled.“Bigandstupid?”
Shedrewback,flushing.“Okay.Notstupid.Butbig.”
Hislipsdrewintoapuckerandhiseyebrowswentup,andhiseyesglitteredwithunholyglee.
Shewentscarlet.“ThatisnotwhatImeant!”sheburstout.
Hejustlaughed.Hepulledhercloseandkissedher.“Sorry.Couldn’tresistit.”
“Iknowwherethebroomis,”shepointedout.
“Don’t.I’llreform.Grayson!”heyelled.
Shecamerunning.“What?”
“Watchoutthewindowforflyingmonkeys.”
Amelia,whoknewabouttherunningjoke,saluted.“Sir,I’llfindthemandbringthemdown,or

givemylifeintheattempt.Iswear.”Sheputahandoverherheart,grinnedandleftthemtoit.

***

J

OURNALISTS

MOVED

INTO

TOWN

.Theytookupallthemotelrooms,clutteredthelocalrestaurantsand

pumpedthelocalsforalltheywereworthtryingtofindoutanythingaboutGabriel’ssister,Sara.

ButBillings,Montana,likeJacobsvilleandComancheWells,Texas,weresmall,clannishtowns,

andtheydidn’tlikeoutsiders.Notevenoutsiderswhoflashedhugebillsaroundfishingfor
information.Theywerehousedandfed.Buttheylearnednothing.

Sotheytriedtogetintotheranchitself.Whichprovedanexerciseinfutility.WolfPattersonmet

themhimselfattheendofthedriveway,alongwithaheavilyarmedpartyofcowboysandsome
federalofficials.Thereporterswerecautionedabouttakingasinglestepontofederallandand
causingdamage.Ofcourse,theydidn’tknowwheretheBrandonpropertyendedandthefederallands
began,andnobodywouldtellthem.Wolfmadeafewmorecomments,tongueincheek,anddrove
backuptotheranchhouse.

***

G

ABRIEL

PHONED

THEM

aweeklater,perplexed.“Haveyouseenthenews?”

“No,we’reboycottingit,”SarasaidonSkype,studyingherbrother ’sdrawnface.“It’sbad,isn’t

it?”

“Actually,Michellewentonnationaltelevisiontodefendme,”hesaid.“Shefoundtheonewitness

whoknewitwasn’tus,andtoldthewholeworld.Shewrotearticles,wentontalkshows,evenmet
withthedetectivewho’sbeenworkingthecaseforus.”Hecolored.“Iguessshereallydidn’tknowit
wasme.”

Sarawinced.“Isaidsometerriblethingstoher.”
“DidyoutellherwhatIsaid,too?”heasked.
Shejustnodded.“She’llneverforgiveme.”
“Itjustneedstime,”Wolfsaidfrombehind,slippinghisarmsaroundhershouldersandplantinga

softkissonhertemple.“She’llforgive.Sowillyou.Itwillbeallright.They’redroppingthecharges,
aren’tthey?”

“Yes.Andtherealculpritsareincustody.ButI’mnotcominghomeyet,”Gabrieladdedwithagrin.

“Igotajoboffer.You’llneverguessfromwho.”

“Whom,”Sarateased.“Okay,spillit.”
“Interpol,”hesaid.“TheylikewhatIdidoverhere.TheysaidI’dmakeaniceadditiontothestaff.

SoI’mthinkingoftakingit.Forthetimebeing,atleast.”

“WhatdoesEbthink?”
“He’sallforit,”hereplied.“HesaidIneededachangeofpace,andthiswouldbeit.He’sgotplenty

ofnewstudentswhocanfillinforme,whenheneedshelp.”

“Icouldgo,”Graysonsaid.
“No!”threepeopleshouted.
Sheheldupherhands,grinnedwithpuredelightandwentbacktothekitchen.
“She’sourtreasure,”Sarasaid.“She’llnevergetoutthedoor.”
Wolfchuckled.“Notwithoutboltcuttersandagun,atleast.”
“Shereallyisatreasure,”Gabrieladded.“Savedmylifeonce.No,I’mnottellingyou.Itwasa

classifiedaction.”

“Wow,”Sarasaidgently.
“Yes.Graysonisinaclassofherown.”
“Well,I’dbettergo.ButI’llbeintouch.Imaybehomeinafewmonths.Intimeforthebaby,I

hope.”

SaralookedupatWolf.“Inthewinter,”shewhispered.
“Thiswinter,”Gabrielsaidwithabigsmile,“I’llbeanuncle.Ican’twait.Whatisitgoingtobe?”
“Ababy,”Wolfsaiddisgustedly.“Weren’tyoulistening?”
“Aboyoragirlbaby?”hepersisted.
“Wehavenoidea,”Sarasaidwithtwinklingdarkeyes,puttingahandonherhusband’sarms,

cradlingher.“We’relettingitbeasurprise.”

“I’dlovealittlegirlwitheyeslikemybestgirlhere,”Wolfmused.
“AndI’dlovealittleboywitheyeslikeArcticice,”shereplied.
“I’dlovetwins,”Gabrielsaid.
“What?”Saraasked.
“Oneofeach.Anditcouldhappen.Wehavetwinsonbothsidesofthefamily.”
“Well!”Wolfsaid,andhissmilewaseartoear.
“Soyouletmeknowhowthingsgo,okay?”Gabrielasked.
Theybothsmiled.“Ofcourse,”Saraagreed.

***

T

HE

JOURNALISTS

FINALLY

wentaway,butnotuntilthesummerflowerswerethinninganddropping

offtheirstems.

AnewnationalpoliticalscandaldrewthemallbacktoWashington,D.C.
“Andit’sabouttime,”Sararemarkedwhentheywatchedthenews.
“Yes.Whatdidtheobstetriciansay?”Wolfasked,smiling.“Ishouldhavegonewithyou,butyou

wouldn’tletme.”

“It’sallwomen,”shesaidwithmockjealousy.“I’mnotlettingagorgeousmanlikeyouwithin

sightofthem.”

Hepursedhislips.“They’reallpregnant,aren’tthey?Notmuchriskthey’dwanttorunoffwith

me.”

“IwanttorunoffwithyoueverytimeIseeyou,”shesaid,withherheartinhereyes.
Hedrewhercloseandkissedher.“I’llgoanywhereyoulike.Wheneveryoulike.”
Shedrewapatternonhisshirtfront.“DoyouthinkI’msexylikethis,allswollenandeverything?”
“Youtakemybreathaway,”herepliedhuskily.
“Graysonwentintotowntobuygroceries,”shetoldhisshirt.“She’llbegoneforanhour,at

least...!”

He’dpickedherupinmidsentenceandcarriedherstraightintothebedroom.
“Well!”sheexclaimedasheputheronthebed,lockedthedoorandstartedthrowingoffclothes.
“Yousaidthemagicwords,”hetoldher.Hewastotallynude.Hewalkedtothebed,magnificentin

hisarousal,andefficientlystrippedher.

“Whatmagic...words?”shemanagedashismouthfoundher.
“Graysonleftthehouse.”Hesmoothedhismouthovertheinsideofherthighs,lovingthesoft

moansshemade.“Sheinhibitsmeatnight.WeneedtobuildheradamnedhousesoIdon’thavetobe
quietwhenwemakelove.”

“Wolf!”shecriedoutashismouthmadebrightlightsexplodebehindhereyelids.Shearchedwith

pleasure.

“That’sexactlymypoint,thatsoundyoujustmade.”Hechuckled.“IlikeitwhenIcanmakeyou

scream.”

“Oh,my...gosh!”shecriedout,arching.
“Anothercaseinpoint.”Heslidupherbody,hismouthonherbreasts.Buthejerkedback

unexpectedly.

Shesawwhyandlaughed.“Oh,darling,I’msorry.Iforgottotellyou...theyleaksometimesnow.”
Hewasbrushingasmallsprayoffhischeeks.Hechuckled.
“You’renotupset?”
Hepursedhislips.“Ithinkit’sextremelysexy,”hemurmured.Heshiftedhishipsandmovedher

longlegsaside.“KnowsomethingelseIthinkisextremelysexy?Hmm?”

“What?”sheaskedbreathlessly.
Hemoveddown,easinginsideher.Shemadeanothersound,ahigh-pitched,shiveryoneashe

shiftedhishipsfromsidetosideandmovedcloser.

“Thatlittlesoundyoujustmade,”hewhispered.“Wouldyouliketomakeitagain,youthink?”He

repeatedthemotion,draggingamoanoutofher.Helaughedlikeadevil.

“Ican’t...matchyou,”shegasped.
“You’regettingthere,”hewhispered.Hemovedcloser,lovingthewayherbodyclenchedaround

him,intensifyingthepleasure.Hegroaned.“Yes.Dothat...!”

“Teachme!”
“I’m...workingonit,”hebitoff.“Butnotnow...!”
“Ofcoursenotnow,”shemoaned.
Hedroveforsatisfaction,hisbodyhardandalittlerough,hishipsmovingdownagainsthersina

quickrhythmthatsentherrightuptotheceilinginanexplosionofsuchjoythatshesobbedand
sobbedandfinallycriedoutendlessly,hernailsscoringdownhisleanflanksassheenduredthe
agonyoffulfillment.

Hewentwithhereverystepoftheway,feelingherpleasure,sharingit,finallystiffeningashefelt

hisownfireworks.Hegaspedatthelastashisbodyseemedtomeltcompletelydownintohersina
weldingofpassionthatneverseemedtoend.

Hewasshakingwhenhefinallycollapsedontoher.
“Itjustgetsbetterandbetter,”shewhispered,dazed.
“Andbetter.”Hebrushedhismouthoverhersoftlips.Hemovedagainandgroaned.
“You...can?”sheasked.
Heliftedhisheadandlookedintohereyes,lettingherwatchthemashisbodyswelledandswelled

insideher.

Sheopenedhermouthatthesensationsitproduced.“You...”
“Yes.”Hebentandkissedhersoftlyashishipsbegantomove.“I’mmuchmorepotentthanI

usuallyam.It’sallthoselittlescreams,”hesaidwickedly,“thatyoudon’tdareletoutwhenGrayson’s
justdownthehall.”Hishipsmovedsharply,andhegroaned.“Oh,damn,”hemuttered,shaking.“It’s
toosoon...!”

“No,itisn’t.”Shemovedwithhim,herbodyattunedtohis,feelinghispleasureclimbandclimbas

herownbodyarchedtomeeteachquick,hardthrust.“Doit,”shewhispered.“Doit,doit,doit...!”

Hecriedoutasthepleasuretookhim,drowning,burning,hurting,itwassogood.Hearchedover

herandshuddered,feelinghereyesonhim.Heopenedhisandlookedather,watchedherwatching
him.Theecstasywassooverwhelmingthathealmostpassedout.Heshiveredonce,twice,andfelther
gorigidunderhim.

Alongtimelater,herolledover,stilljoinedtoher,andfellontohisback,pullingherwithhim.
“Youwatched,”heteased.
“Yes.It...makesit...Idon’tknow,more...”
Hechuckled.“Yes.More.Iliketowatchyou,too.”
“Nomorebadmemories?”sheaskedathisbroad,dampchest,wherehercheekwaspillowed.
“None.”Hekissedherhair.“Howaboutyou?”
“Nomorebadmemories.”Shesighedandclosedhereyes.“Ididn’tknowitwaspossibletobeso

happy.”

“NeitherdidI.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“There’sacarcomingupthedriveway.”
“Gunsishome.Quick,let’sgetdressedandlooklikewe’vebeenplayingcheckers.”
Shelaughedoutloud.“Youwimp!”sheaccused.
“I’mafraidofGrayson,”heteased.
“Youarenot.”
Theygotupanddressed.WhenGraysonstartedinside,theywentoutthebackdoortohelpher

bringinthegroceries.

Ortheystartedto.Saragottotheloweststepandsuddenlywentdowninadeadfaint.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

W

OLF

WAS

FRANTIC

.Hecarriedhertothesofaandstartedcallingdoctorsintheotherroomwhile

GraysonranforadampclothandputitonSara’sforehead.
Sarastartedtofussforasecond,andthenopenedhereyesandshookherhead.

Wolfcamebackaminutelater,lookinggrim.“Icalledanambulance.They’llhaveherobstetrician

meetusattheemergencyroom.”

“Ijustfainted,”Saraprotestedweakly.
“Bettersafethansorry,”Wolfreplied,brushingbackherlonghair.“Humorme.I’mterrified.”
Shelookedup,preparedtosmile.Buthisfacewaspale.Hiseyeswerealive,fullofemotion.
“I’llbeallright,”shesaidhuskily,holdinghishandverytightly.
Hedidn’tlookrelieved.Hereallydidlookscaredtodeath.

***

D

R

.H

ANSEN

WAS

therewaitingforthem,withanotherdoctor,whoalsoexaminedher.Therewere

questionsandnotationstaken,whileWolfheldherhandandlookedscaredoutofhismind.

“It’sgoingtobeallright,”Dr.Hansenassuredthem.“Dr.Butlerhereisgoingtomonitorherblood

pressureandkeepacheckonthatheartissue”

“Whatheartissue?Whataboutherbloodpressure?”Wolfexploded,withblueeyesfullofhorror.
“Calmdown,Mr.Patterson,”Dr.Hansensaidgently,puttingahandontheolderman’sshoulder.“It

isn’tdangerouslyhighbloodpressure,andtheheartdefectshouldn’tbeadangeratall.Shejusthas
conditionsthatneedmonitoring,that’sall.”

“Ifyouthinkshehasseriousissues,maybeweshouldconsidergoingtoabiggerhospitalinthe

city,”Wolfsaid.

“No,”Sarasaidicily.“No,Iwillnot!”
“Sara,”Wolfgroaned,“please,youhavetolistentothedoctor!”
“Thatisn’tgoingtobenecessary,”Dr.Hansensaidgently.“Ipromiseyouitisn’t.Wehavea

wonderfulhospitalhere.It’ssmall,butourobstetricswardhaswonawards.Wehavesomeofthebest
nursesinthestate.You’llbeingoodhands.”

“Shewon’tbeatrisk?”Wolfaskedtightly,hiseyesstillshowingtracesoffear.
“No.Youhavemyword,”Dr.Hansensaid.“AndIdon’tgiveitlightly.”
Heletoutabreath.HiseyeswenttoSaraandlingeredthere.“Allright.”
“Yourbloodpressureisquitegood,”Dr.Hansensaid.“Almosttextbookreadings.Andyoulook

radiant.”Hegrinned.“Gohomeandcomfortyourhusbandbeforewehavetoadmithimasapatient!”

Shemanagedasmile,butshewasworried.Washelookingforawayout?Didhewanthertohave

atermination?Wasthatwhyheaskedthedoctorthosequestions?Shewassilentandsomberallthe
wayhome.

Graysonmetthematthedoor.“Howareyou?”sheaskedworriedly.
“I’mfine,”Sarasaid,butshewasn’tsmiling.
“Grayson,canyoudriveintotowntothepharmacyandgetoneofthoseexpensivebloodpressure

cuffs?”Wolfasked.“Whileyou’reaboutit,seeifyoucanfindadecentsaltsubstitute.”

HedugsomebillsoutofhiswalletandhandedthemtoGrayson.
“I’llbebacksoon,”Ameliasaid.ShesmiledatSara.“It’sokay.We’lltakegoodcareofyou.”

Sarajustnodded.
ButwhenAmeliawasgone,sheturnedtoWolfwithhauntedeyes.“Youdon’treallywantthebaby,

doyou?Iwasn’tsmartaboutprecautions.Ididn’tknowanything.Ishouldhave...!”

Hepickedherupandsatdownwithheronthesofa.Hisfacewashardasstone.
“I’msosorry,”shebegan,burstingintotears.
Hedrewherclose,shudderingashefeltthetearsagainsthishotthroat.Heheldherveryclose,his

armsenfoldingher,cradlingher.Therewasafainttremorinthem.

“Okay,”hewhispered.“Thisiswherewelayallourcardsonthetable.”Hisarmstightened.“Iwant

thebaby.Itwillbethejoyofmylife.Butnotwithoutyou,Sara.Icanlivewithoutababy.Icannot,will
not,livewithoutyou!”

Shecaughtherbreath.Hewassayingsomethingshecouldbarelybelieve.
“WhenIthoughtyouhadthetermination,becauseyousawmewiththatwomanatthesymphony,I

wascertainthatyoucouldneverforgiveme,formakingyoudosomethingthatwouldhurtyouso
much.”Hisarmstightened,almostbruisingher.Shedidn’tevenfeelthepain.“SoIstrappedonagun
andwenttofindYsera.Iwouldhaveletherkillme,becauseIcouldn’tlive,didn’twanttolive,
withoutyouinmylife.”

“Oh,myGod,”shemoaned,shaking.
“I’vedonenothingbuthurtyou,fromthedaywemet.Itwasbecauseyouwerebeautifulandsweet,

andIwantedyouuntilmyheartached.ButIdidn’tthinkyoucouldfallinlovewithanolderman,who
hadsomanyscarsonhisbody,inhisheart.Yserahadhumbledme,usedme,humiliatedme.Iwas
stingingfromallthat,thenightwewerefirsttogether.”Hiseyesclosed,andheshivered.“Ihadyou,
figurativelyspeaking,overandoveragain.ImadeyouclimaxandIwatched,thenIletyouwatchme.
Ihadnoideawhatyou’dgonethroughinthepast.Iwassodruggedonyou,somuchinlovewith
you,eventhen,thatIcouldn’t...stop,”hegroundout.“I’dneverfeltanythinglikeit.Thenyouran,and
IknewhowfarI’dfallen.”

Shetouchedhisfacetenderly,notspeaking,justlookingathim.Hiseyeswerewet.Shekissedthem

dry.

Hischeeknuzzledhers.“SoIgotdrunk.Drunkasanymaneverdid.Icouldn’tlivewithwhatI’d

donetoyou.Knowingwhatyourstepfatherdidtoyoualmostkilledme.”Hisarmscontracted.“Igot
EmmaCainhere,becauseIwasafraidyoumightdosomethingdesperate.AndIknewthen,thatifI
lostyou,Icouldn’tlive.”

“Younever...saidanything,”shebegan.
Hedrewinabreathandlookeddownather,hiseyesnakedofcamouflage.“I’velovedyou,”he

whisperedwithbreathlesstenderness,“aslongasI’veknownyou.Wantedyou.Neededyou.ButIhit
rockbottomwhenIhadtoletyougo.Yserawouldhavekilledyou.Ihadtostopher.AnywayIcould.
Ihadn’tplannedtogoafterhermyself,butonceIthoughtyou’dlostthebaby,andIthoughtI’dlost
you,lifehadnomeaningforme.”

Shebitherlowerlip.
Hekissedit,softly.“SoIwenttowar,hopingtodie.Idon’tremembermuchofit.Ifeltasif

someonehitmeintheback,hard,andIstartedblackingout.Iheardmygungooff.Iremember
seeingastreakofbloodonYsera’smouth...”

“YousaidIlookedlikeher,once.”
Hesmileddownather.“No.Therewasnoresemblanceatall.InoticedthattheminuteIsawher

again.Shewasn’tbeautiful,orkind,orloving,Sara.Shewaslikeacobra.ItamazedherthatIdidn’t
respondtoheranymore.Shecouldn’tbelieveit.Sheknewtherewassomeone.Shemadethreats.”He

couldn’ttellherwhattheywere.Hisjawtautened.“Idon’tthinkImeanttokillher.ButmaybeIdid.
Evenfromprison,shecouldhaveharmedyou.”Hesearchedhereyes.“Sheisn’ttheonlypersonI’ve
killed,Sara.That’spartofwhoIam,whatIam.Iwantyou.Iloveyou.Butyouhavetobesureyou
understandwhatyou’relettingyourselfinfor.I’mnot...”

Sheputhermouthoverhis,sotenderlythatitwaslikeawhisperoffeeling.“Iwillneverleave

you,”shewhispered.“IwillloveyouuntilIdie,andforeverafter.Andthereisnothing,nothing,you
couldtellmethatwouldeverchangethat.”

Hefeltsuchjoythathewasalmostdrunkonit.Hepulledhercloseandrockedher,hisfaceinher

throat,hisarmstrembling.

“Fromsuchterror,hope,”hebreathed.
“Hope.”Sheclungtohim.Shelaughed.“I’veneverbeensohappyinmylife!”
“NeitherhaveI.Notevenindreams.”
Shesmoothedoverhisdarkhair.“Ihopeyougavemeaboy,”shewhispered.“Onewho’lllook

justlikeyou.”

Hedrewback.“Sara,thebaby...”
“He’sgoingtobebeautiful,”shesaidwithasmile.“AndI’mgoingtobefine.Reallyfine.Nobody

thishappycandie.Honest.”

Heseemedtorelax,justalittle.“Nomoresalt,”hesaid.“Nomorefattycroissants.Nomore

excitement...”

Shestoppedthewordswithhermouth.“Iwon’tgiveupmakinglovetoyou,”shesaidwitha

chuckle.“Don’tevenbothertoask.”

“Maybewecandoitlesspassionately,”hemurmured.
“Biteyourtongue.”Shenippedhislowerlip.“Ilovehowyouloveme.”
“Ilovehowyoulovemeback.”
“Besides,Dr.Hansensayslovemakingishealthyandwon’thurtthebaby.I’mtakingmytablets.My

bloodpressureisstable.Andwe’rehavingababy.”

Hesatbackinthesofaandsmiledwithpurepossession.“Allright.”
“Justlikethat?”
Hekissedher.“Ineverarguewithpregnantwomen.”
“Andwe’llseeaboutthat,”sheteased.
Hegrinnedandkissedheragain.

***

L

ATE

THAT

NIGHT

,shegotoutherlaptopcomputerandpluggeditin,intheguestbedroom,oneoftwo

thatwasunoccupied.Graysonhadtheotherone.

“Doyoumind?”sheaskedWolf.“IneedtosendanemailtoGabriel.”
“Idon’tmind,”hesaidalittletooquickly.“Ineedtosendacouplemyself.Thirtyminutes?”
“Thirty.”

***

S

HE

FELT

GUILTY

asshepulleduphergameandopenedit.Shehopedhewouldbeon.Sureenough,he

was.

Rednachtwhisperedher.

Howhasitbeen?

Veryrough,

shereplied.

Butthingsarebetter.

Somuchbetter.Ineverknewitwaspossibletobesohappy

andhavesomuchtolookforwardto.

Therewasan

lol

andthenareply.

It’sthesame

withme.Ihaveafamilynow.Ican’tbelieveit.IfeellikeI

wonthelottery,onlybetter.

Shehesitated.

Ihavesomethingsadtotellyou.

Iknowwhatitis.You’regivingupthegame.

IfeelthatIshould.Idon’twanttohavesecretsfromhim.

Willyoutellhimaboutme?heasked.

Yes.You’lltellheraboutme,too,right?

Yes,

heagreed.

Secretshavenoplaceinagoodmarriage.

I’mveryhappyforyou,

shesaid.

I’mveryhappyforyou,too.

I’veenjoyedeveryminuteI’vespentwithyou

online,

shetyped.

Thanksforgettingmethroughsomeofthe

roughesttimesofmylife.

Youdidthesameforme.I’llmissyou.

I’llmissyou.Goodbye,myfriend,

shetyped.

Therewasthefaintesthesitation.

Goodbye,myfriend.

Sheloggedoff,tearsrollingdownhercheeks.
Sheshutdownthecomputerandwalkedintothelivingroom,thepeignoirofherpalepink

nightgowntrailingbehindher,herlonghairflowinglikeblacksilkdownherback.

Wolfwasstandingbythewindow,injustpajamabottoms;Ameliahadlongsincegonetobedand

leftthemalone.

Heturned,broad-chested,beautifultolookat.Hewassad.
Hemovedcloser.“You’vebeencrying,”hesaid.“Whathappened?”
Shetookhishandandtuggedhimtoanarmchair.Shepushedhimdownintoitandcrawledintohis

lap.“Ihaveaconfessiontomake.”

“You’rerunningawaywithPsybecauseyoucan’tstoplisteningto‘GangnamStyle’onYouTube,”

heguessed.

Shehithim.“No.Payattention.”
“Okay.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“Ihaven’tbeenhonestwithyou.Idoplayvideogames.Ihaven’trecently,

becausetherewassomuchgoingoninmylife.Butthere’sanonlinegame.Youplayitwithother
people.Iknowyouplayconsolegames,butthisoneisplayedonaPC.It’safantasygame,sortof,
calledWorldofWarcraft.”

Hiseyeswerewidewithshock.
Shethoughthemightbeshocked.Sheloweredhereyestohisbroadchest.“Sothere’sthisguyI’ve

playedwithforseveralyears.Werunbattlegroundsanddungeons...ItoldhimIdidn’tfeelrightto
continueinthegamebecauseIwasmarried,andmyhusbandmightnotunderstand.Besidesthat,I
didn’twanttobekeepingcompanywithanotherman,eveninafantasysetting...”

Hewassittingstock-still.Hedidn’tevenseemtobreathe.“Ijusttold...awomanthesamething,in

thesamegame.”Hiseyessearchedhers.“IsthetoonyouplaybyanychanceaBloodElfwarlock?”

Herlipsfellopen.Shesearchedhiseyes.“Rednacht?”shewhisperedunsteadily.
“Yes.”Hesearchedherface.“Casalese?”hewhisperedback.
“Oh,gosh.”Herfacefloodedwithcolor.Shelookedathimasifshe’dneverseenhimbeforeand

burstintotears.“I’vemarriedmybestfriend!”sheexclaimed,andhuggedhimashardasshecould.

Heheldherclose,laughing,sodelightedthathecouldbarelymanagewords.“Idon’tbelieveit!

NowIunderstandwhyGabrieldidn’twantmetotellyouHellie’srealname.”

Sheleanedback.“Whatisit?”
Hechuckled.“Hellscream.InamedherfortheleaderoftheHorde.OfcourseIhatehisguts,butI

loveHellie.”

Shelaughed,too.“Allthoseyears,andIneversuspected...”Shehesitated.“Wesympathizedabout

thepeoplewhowerehurtingus,anditwasushurtingeachother.”

“Yes.”Hetracedhercheek.“Yougotmethroughsomebadtimes.”
“Yougotmethroughsome,aswell.”
Shecurledupinhisarms.“Wecanrunbattlegroundstogetheragain.”Shelaughed.
“Anddungeons.”
“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.
“Iloveyou,too.”

***

T

HEY

PLAYED

ALMOST

everynightafterthat,delightedtofindthattheyworkedevenbettertogether

sincetheykneweachother ’strueidentities.

ButWolfworriedaboutherpregnancy.Asautumnappeared,GabrielphonedSara.
“Guesswhat?”heasked,andgrinned.
“What?”
“MichelleandIaregettingmarried!”
“Oh,Gabriel,I’msohappy.HaveyoutoldherI’msorryforwhatIsaid,thatIdidn’tmeanit?”
“Ihave.Sheunderstands.”Hehesitated.“Ihaven’ttoldheraboutyouandWolf.Imean,sheknows

you’remarried.Shedoesn’tknowaboutthebaby.”

“Don’ttellher,”shesaid.“I’mhavingsomeproblems.Nothingmajor,butIdon’twantherto

worry.Iwon’ttellher,either.Okay?”

“You’llbeallright?”
“Theworld’smostfearsomenannywatcheseverystepItake,andeverybiteItake...”
“WolfPatterson?”heexclaimed.
“Him,too.ButImeantGunsGrayson,”shereplied.“Theyhidtherealsalt.Ican’tfindit

anywhere.”

“Andyouwon’t,sweetheart!”Wolfcalledfromthenextroom.
“That’sright,”Ameliacalled,too.
“Worrywarts,”shemuttered.
“Weallworry,”Gabrielsaid.“Soyoubehave.”
“IfImust.HugMichelleforme.I’msohappyforyouboth.IwishIcouldcometothewedding...”
“You’llbethereinspirit.JakeBlair ’sgoingtomarryus.”
“Ilikehim,”shesaid,smiling.

“SodoI.We’llbeintouch.”
“Okay.Behappy!”
“Iintendto.Seeyou,sweetie.”
“Loveyou.”
“Loveyouback.”
Shehungup.“Gabriel’smarryingMichelle!”sheexclaimed,walkingintothekitchen.
“Well,”Wolfexclaimed.“AndhereIthoughttheyweren’tspeaking.”
Shegrinnedandkissedhim.“Showswhatyouknow.Where’sthesalt?”shewhispered,teasinghis

broadmouthwithhers.

“Ihavenoidea.”
“Yes,youdo.Comeon.Giveit.”
“Thisisn’tthesaltyou’relookingfor.Substitutesaltwillbefine.”Hewavedhishand,likeaJedi

knightdoingamindtrick.

Shemadeaterribleface.
“Substitutesaltwillbefine,”Ameliaadded,wavingherownhandinfrontofSara.
Shegloweredatthemasshesatdownwithalongsigh.“Itwillbefine,”sherepeatedmiserably.But

insidesheglowed,knowinghowprotectivetheywere.

***

G

ABRIEL

AND

M

ICHELLE

phonedhernotalongtimelatertoannouncethattheywerepregnant.

Saralaughedjoyously,butshewascarefultokeepthecameraonlyonherface.Itwasalittlepuffy

inthefinaldaysofherpregnancy,butatleasttheycouldn’tseeherbelly.Shecongratulatedthemand
madeanoffhandremarkaboutbeingsorryshewasn’tpregnant,too.

Whenshehungup,Wolfshookhishead.“MyGod,youlooklikeaGreyhoundbus!Wishyouwere

pregnant?”

“Hush,”shesaidfirmly,“orI’llfeedyouliverandonionsforsupper!”
Hemadeaterribleface.
Shekissedhim.“Idon’twanttoworryMichelle.She’shavingsomeproblems.Shedidn’ttellme,

butGabrieldid.We’renotgoingtoupsether.”

“Whateveryouwant,sweetheart,”hesaidsoftly.“Anythingatall.”
“Anything?”shemused.
“Anything.”
Sheleanedtowardhim.“Salt!”
Helaughed.“Anythingbutthat.”
Sheshookherheadandwentbackintothelivingroom.

***

H

ER

BABY

WAS

borninmid-February,notwhenhewasexpected,inearlyFebruary,onadaywhen

snowwasdriftingintoimpossiblepeaks.Buttheymadeitsafelytothehospital.Shewasn’tevenin
laborlong.Buttheresultwasabsolutelyshocking.ToWolf,atleast.Sarahadknownforatime,but
shehadn’twantedhimtoworryanymorethanhealreadywas.

Shelaughed,exhaustedbutoverjoyed.
“Twins,”heexclaimed,fightingtears.“Aboyandagirl.Aboyandagirl!”
“Yes,mydarling.Amatchedset.”

Hebentandkissedher.Shepulledatissuefromtheboxbyherbedandmoppedhiseyes,thenher

own.

“Canweholdthem?”sheaskedthenurse.
“Theminutewehavethemcleanedup.You’llneedagown,Mr.Patterson.”
“Ilookgoodinred,”heremarked.“Somethinginredsilk,maybe,withmatchinghighheels?”
Sarahithim.

***

T

HEY

BROUGHT

IN

thetwins.ShenursedthelittlegirlwhileWolfheldhisson,andstaredathim

throughamist.“Beautiful,”hewhispered.“Bothofthem.”

“Whatarewegoingtonamethem?”sheasked.
“MygrandmotherwascalledCharlotte,”hesaid.
Shesmiled.“IlikeAmelia,too.”
“ForGuns?”hemused.“Yes.Ilikethat,too.”
“CharlotteAmeliaitis.Howaboutourson?HisfirstnameshouldbeWofford.”
“Onewolfinafamilyisenough,”hesaidfirmly.“Weshouldnamehimforyourbrother.”
“Gabrielwillwanttonamehisownsonafterhim.”Shelaughed.Hereyessearchedhis.“Doyou

haveamiddlename?”

Henodded.“Dane.”
“Ilikeit.Andmyfather ’snamewasMarshall.”
“So...DaneMarshallPatterson?”
Shesmiled.“Done.”
Hechuckled.“Okay.I’lltellthem,forthebirthcertificates.”

***

I

NCREDIBLY

,G

ABRIEL

AND

M

ICHELLE

madeittoWyomingtoseethebabieswhentheycamehomewith

theirparents,despitethesnowstillpiledupeverywhere.

Michellewashugeinfront.ShehuggedSaraandcriedoverthebabies.ShehuggedWolf,too,a

littlehesitantly.Shedidn’tknowhimwell.

“Ican’tbelieveyoudidn’ttellme!”Michellefussed.“I’dhavebeenherelikeashottohelp!”
“Ihadplentyofhelp,andIdidn’twantyouworried.Howareyou?”sheadded.
Michellesmiled.“It’snotwhattheythought,”shesaid,grinning.“Theydidallsortsoftestsbefore

theyfoundoutthatIjusthaveanirritablebowel.They’retreatingmeforit.TheonlyproblemIhave
nowisheartburn.”Shesighed.“Iwouldhavetoldyou,ifyou’dcalledusmoreoften.”

“Iwasworried.Theywereworried.”SheindicatedWolfandAmelia.“AndIwasafraidthatI’dlet

somethingslip.”

“They’resocute,”Michellesaid,fascinatedwiththem.“CanIholdone?”
“Wolf?”
Heturned,smiling,andhandedherDane.
Michellewasawestruck.“He’sjustperfect.SoisCharlotte.”ShelookedupatGabrielwithher

heartinhereyes.“We’regoingtohaveoneofthese.Istillcan’tgetoverit.”

“NeithercanI,mabelle,”hesaidsoftly.“Ican’twait!”
“NeithercanI.”Shelaughed,cuddlingthelittleboyclose.

***

“W

ELL

,

NO

CHANCE

ofthatmarriageendingindivorce,”WolfsaidwhenGabrielandMichellehad

gonebacktoTexas.

Sheliftedhereyestohis.“Orours.”
“Thatgoeswithoutsaying,”hesaidsoftly,searchinghereyes.Hisnarrowed.
“Whatareyouthinking?”sheasked.
“Aboutwhatalongwaywe’vecometogethersinceyoubackedintome,andIaccusedyouof

droppinghousesonpeople.”

Shewasmakingafruitdrinkintheblender.Shestoppedthemachineandstaredathim.“Whatwas

that?”

“Youbackedintome.Withyourcar.”Hesmiled.
“Youbackedoutintomewithoutlookingwhereyouweregoing,”shecountered.
“Ididnot,”hesaidhaughtily.“Iamtheworld’sbestdriver...Whatareyoudoingwiththatthing?

Don’tyoudare...Imeanit!”

Amelia,havingheardthethreat,followedbyanamazinglyloudslurpysound,cameoutofthe

sittingroom,whichshewasorganizing,toseewhatthecommotionwasabout.

WolfPattersonwasgoingdownthehalltowardthebathroom.HestoppedjustinfrontofAmelia,

withfruitpulprunningfromhisheaddownhisnoseontohisshirtanddrippingontothewoodfloor
ofthehall.“Justforyourinformation,”hesaidconfidentially.“Don’teverupsetherwhenshe’susing
theblender.”

Hesighedandcontinuedonintothebathroom.Downthehall,hystericallaughterwascomingfrom

thekitchen.

Ameliagrinnedfromeartoearandwentbacktowork.

*****

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CHAPTERONE

I

T

WAS

ONE

oftheworstblizzardsinthehistoryoftheRanchoRealinCatelow,Wyoming.DaltonKirk

staredoutthewindowandgrimacedastheflakesseemedtogrowinsizebytheminute.Itwasthe
middleofDecember.Usuallyweatherlikethiscamelater.

HepulledouthiscellphoneandcalledDarbyHanes,hisforeman.“Darby,how’sitgoingout

there?”

“Cattleareprettydeepinit,”Darbyreplied,hisvoicebreakingupwithstatic,“butwe’reholding

ourownwithfeedsofar.Gettinghardtoreachthem,though.”

“Ihopethisdoesn’tlastlong,”hesaidheavily.
“Me,too,butweneedthesnowforthespringwatersupplysobadly,I’mnotcomplaining.”Darby

chuckled.

“Takecareoutthere.”
“Sure.Thanks,boss.”
Hehungup.HehatedthestormsbutDarbywasrightabouttheirdesperateneedforsnow.The

summerdroughthadmadeithardonranchersallovertheWestandMidwest.Hejusthopedthey’dbe
abletogetfeedtothecattle.Inanemergency,ofcourse,federalandstateagencieswouldhelpto
airliftbalesofhaytotheanimals.

HewentintothelivingroomandturnedontheHistorychannel.Mightaswelloccupyhimself

insteadofworryingsomuch,hethoughtamusedly.

***

M

AVIE

,

THE

HOUSEKEEPER

,frownedasshethoughtsheheardsomethingatthebackdoor.Shewas

clearingawaydishesinthekitchen,nervousbecausethestormseemedtobegettingworse.

Curious,though,shewentandpeeredthroughthewhitecurtainsandgaspedwhenshesawapale,

ovalfacewithwide,greeneyesstaringbackather.

“Merissa?”sheasked,shocked.
Sheopenedthedoor.There,inahooded,bloodredcape,almostcoveredwithsnow,stooda

neighbor.MerissaBakerlivedwithhermother,Clara,waybackinthewoodsinacottage.Theywere
whatlocalpeoplecalled“peculiar.”Claracouldtalkoutfireandtalkoffwarts.Sheknewallsortsof
herbalremediesforillnessandtheysaidshehadthe“secondsight”aswell,thatshecouldseethe
future.Herdaughterwasrumoredtohavethesameabilities,onlymagnified.Sherecalledthatwhen
Merissahadbeeninschool,herclassmateshadshunnedherandvictimizedhersobadlythather
motherpulledheroutofthelocalhighschoolbecauseofherongoingstomachproblems.Theschool
systemhadsentahomeschoolworkerwithherclassworkandoversawhercurriculum.Shehad
graduatedwithherclass,withgradesthatshamedmostofthem.

She’dtriedtoworklocally,butherreputationwasunsettlingtosomeoftheconservative

businesses,soshewenthomeandhelpedhermother,earningherlivingwithacombinationof
fortune-tellingandonlinewebsitedesign,atwhichshewasquitegood.Shehadanoldercomputer,
andacheapinternetconnectionatfirst,butasherbusinessgrew,she’dstartedmakingmoney.She’d
managedtoaffordbetterequipmentandhigherinternetspeed.Now,shewasverysuccessful.She
designedwebsitesforatleastonequitefamousauthorandseveralbusinesses.

“Comeinoutofthesnow,child!”Mavieexclaimed.“You’resoaked!”

“Thecarwouldn’tstart,”Merissasaidinhersoft,delicatevoice.ShewasalmostastallasMavie,

whowasjustabovefivefeetseveninches.Shehadthick,short,wavyplatinumhairandpalegreen
eyesthatwerehugeinherface.Shehadaroundedlittlechinandapretty,naturallypinkbow-shaped
mouth,andtinyears.Andasmilethatcouldhavemeltedstone.

“Whatareyoudoinghereinastorm?”
“IhavetoseeDaltonKirk,”shesaidsolemnly.“Andit’surgent.”
“Tank?”Mavieaskedblankly,usingtheyoungestKirkbrother ’saffectionatenickname.
“Yes.”
“CanIaskwhatit’sabout?”Mavieasked,confused,becauseshedidn’tthinkthefamilyhadany

businessdealingswithMerissa.

Merissasmiledgently.“I’mafraidnot.”
“Oh.Well,letmegogethim,then.”
“I’llwaithere.Idon’twanttodriponthecarpet,”theyoungwomansaidwithalaughthatsounded

likesilverbells.

Maviewentintothelivingroom.Therewas,fortunately,acommercial.Daltonhadturnedthe

soundoff.

“Damnthings,”hemuttered.“Oneminuteofprogramandfiveminutesofcommercials,dothey

reallythinkpeoplearegoingtositthereandwatchsomanyatonce?”hehuffed.Hefrownedat
Mavie’sexpression.“What’swrong?”

“YouknowtheBakers,don’tyou?Theyliveinthatcottagedowntheroad,inthecottonwood

thicket.”

“Yes.”
“Merissaishere.Shesaysshehastotalktoyou.”
“Okay.”Hegotup.“Bringherinhere.”
“Shewon’tcome.Shegotwetwalkinghere.”
“Shewalked?Inthis?”Hegesturedatthewindowwherehugeflakesofsnowwerefalling.“There’s

almostafootofsnowonthegroundalready!”

“Shesaidhercarwouldn’tstart.”
Hesighed.Heturnedoffthetelevisionandputdowntheremotecontrol.HefollowedMavieinto

thekitchen.

Hiseyestookintheslenderfigureofhisguest.Shewasverypretty.Herlipswereanaturalred.

Hereyeswerebigandsoftandgreen.Herfacewasratherpointed,andherroundedchinmadeher
seemvulnerable.Shewaswearingahoodedredcloakandit,andshe,weresoaked.

“Merissa,isn’tit?”heaskedgently.
Shenodded.Shewasself-consciousaroundmen.Afraidofthem,too,really.Shehopeditdidn’t

show.Daltonwasverybig,likealltheKirkboys.Hehadjet-blackhairanddarkeyesandalean,
angularface.Hewaswearingjeansandbootsandachambrayshirt.Hedidn’tlooklikeavery
wealthymanatall.

“WhatcanIdoforyou?”heasked.
SheglancedtowardMavie.
“Oh,I’lljustgodustthelivingroomforabit,”Maviesaidwithagrin.Sheleftthemalone,pulling

thedoorclosedbehindherasshewentintothehall.

“You’reinterribledanger,”Merissasaidwithoutpreamble.
Heblinked.“Excuseme?”
“I’msorry.Ijustblurtthesethingsout,Idon’tmeanto.”Shebitherlip.“Ihavevisions.Mymother

does,too.Theneurologistsaysit’sanaurafrommigraine,whichIalsohave,butifthat’sall,whydo
thevisionsalwayscometrue?”Shesighed.“Ihadavisionaboutyou.Ihadtotellyouaboutitright
awaysoyouwouldn’tbehurt.”

“Okay,I’mlistening.”Privatelyhethoughtsheneededagoodpsychologistmorethana

neurologist,buthewasn’tgoingtosaythat.Shewasveryyoung;barelytwenty-twoifheremembered
correctly.“Goahead.”

“YouwereattackedinArizonabyfourmen,justafewmonthsago,”shesaid.Hereyeswere

closed.Iftheyhadn’tbeen,she’dhaveseenDalton’ssuddenlystillpostureandtautfeatures.“Oneof
themenwithyouwaswearingapaisleyshirt...”

“Damn!”
Sheopenedhereyesandgrimacedasheglaredather.
“Howdidyouknowthat?”heasked,movingforwardsofastthatshebackeduptooquicklyand

stumbledintoachair,almostfalling.Shecaughtthetablejustintime.“Whotoldyou?”hedemanded,
althoughhestoppedgoingtowardher.

“Nobody...toldme.Isawit,”shetriedtoexplain.Heavens,hewasfast!She’dneverseenaman

movelikethat.

“Sawit,how?”
“Inmyhead.Itwasavision,”shetriedtoexplain.Hercheekswereflushed.Hethoughtshewas

crazy.“Please,letmefinish.Themaninthepaisleyshirt,hewaswearingasuitandyoutrustedhim.
Therewasanotherman,amanwithdarkskinwearingalotofgoldjewelry.Infact,hispistolhad
goldplatingandpearlsonit...”

“Ionlyevertoldmybrothersthat!”hesaidangrily.“Them,andmysupervisorand,later,theDOJ

guys!”

“Themaninthepaisleyshirt,”shecontinued.“Heisn’twhoyouthinkheis.Hehastiestoadrug

cartel.”Hereyesclosedagain.“He’smadesomesortofbargainwithamanhighupinpoliticsinthis
country.Idon’tknowwhat,Ican’tseeit.ButIdoknowthis.Theothermanisrunningforpublic
office,someveryhighofficewithmoneyandpoliticalsuperiorityinthebalance...”Sheswallowed
andopenedhereyes.“Hewantstohaveyoukilled.”

“Me?”heasked.“Whatfor?”
“Becauseofthemaninthepaisleyshirt,”sheexplained.“Hewaswiththatmanwhoshotyou,

who’snowsecond-in-commandtotheleaderofthedrugcartel.Butitisn’tknown.Thecartelputup
moneysohecouldrunforpublicoffice,highpublicoffice.Oncehe’selected,ifheis,he’llmake
surethedrugconvoysgetacrosstheborderwithnointerference.Idon’tknowhow.”Sheheldupa
handwhenhelookedasifhemightquestionthat.“They’regoingtotrytohaveyoukilledsothatyou
can’ttellonhim.”

“Hell,Iidentifiedtheshootertotheauthorities.Theyhavenotesonmydebriefing,”hescoffed.

“It’sallinthere,abouttheshooterwiththegold-platedweapon,thegoldjewelry,thelizard-skin
boots,thegoldtoothwithadiamondthatheworeforafronttooth—theworks.”Helaughedcurtly.
“It’stoolateforthemtosilenceme.”

“I’mjusttellingyouwhatIsaw,”shestammered.“Itisn’taboutthemanwiththegold-plated

weapon—it’saboutthemanwearingthepaisleyshirt.He’sworkingforthepolitician.He’salready
triedtohaveasheriffkilled,amanwhomighthaverecognizedhim.Thesheriffwasshot...”She
closedhereyesandsquinted,asifherheadhurt.Infact,itdid.“He’safraidofbothofyou.Ifyou
recognizehim,histiestothepoliticianwillbemadepublicandthepoliticianwillendupinprison.
Sowillhe.Itisn’tthefirsttimehe’skilledtoprotecthisboss.”

Tanksatdown.Thiswasintensestuff.Itbroughtbacknightmarishmemoriesfromtheshooting.

Theimpactofthebullets,thesmellofblood,thedark-skinnedman’sinsanelaughterwhilehefired
theautomaticpistol.Therereallyhadbeenanothermanthere,amaninapaisleyshirt,asshesaid,
wearingasuit...

“Whydidn’tIrememberthat?”hemumbledoutloud.Heputhishandtohiseyes.“Therewasaman

inapaisleyshirt.Heaskedforbackup.Hesaidadrugdealwasgoingdown,abigone.Idroveout
therewithhim.HesaidhewasfromtheDEA—”HebrokeoffandgapedatMerissa.

“Youhadn’trememberedthat,”shesaidslowly.
Henodded.Hisfacewasashen.Therewerebeadsofsweatjustabovehischiseledmouth.
Shekneltonthefloorbesidehischairandheldhisbighand,theonethatwasn’trubbinghiseyes.

“It’sallright,”shesaidinatoneofvoicethatsoundedlikeheimaginedanangelofmercywould
sound.“It’sallright.”

Hedidn’tlikebeingbabied.Hejerkedhishandaway,andthenwassorrywhenshestoodupand

backedaway,lookinghunted.

Shecouldn’timaginethememoriesshe’dkindledwithinhim.Hewastryingtodealwiththem,and

notverysuccessfully.“Peoplesayyou’reawitch,”heblurtedout.

Shedidn’ttakeoffence.Sheonlynodded.“Iknow.”
Hestaredather.Therewassomethingreallyother-worldlyabouther.Shewasalmostfragile,

despiteherheight;quiet,docile.Sheseemedsomuchatpeacewithherselfandtheworld.Theonly
turmoilwasinherbig,softgreeneyes,whichwerelookingathimwithamixofsympathyandfear.

“Whyareyouafraidofme?”heaskedsuddenly.
Sheshifted.“It’snothingpersonal.”
“Why?”
“You’revery...large,”shefaltered.Sheshivered.
Hecockedhishead,frowning.
Sheforcedasmile.“Ihavetogo,”shesaid.“IjustwantedyoutoknowwhatIsaw,sothatyou

couldkeepyoureyesopenandbealert.”

“Wehaveafortuneinvestedinsurveillanceequipmenthere,mostlybecauseofourprize-winning

bulls.”

Shenodded.“Itwon’tmatter.TheysentaprofessionalassassinafterthesheriffinTexas.Hehad

surveillanceequipment,too.OratleastIthinkhedid.”

Hedrewinalongbreath.Hestoodup,calmernow.“IknowsomepeopleinTexas.Where?”
Sheshifteduneasily.Hetoweredoverher.“SouthTexas.SomewheresouthofSanAntonio.Idon’t

knowanythingelse.Sorry.”

Thatshouldbeeasytotrackdown.Ifthere’dbeenashootingofalawenforcementofficial,it

wouldbepublicandhecouldsearchforitonline.Hewantedtodothat,ifonlytoproveherso-called
visionfalse.

“Thanksanyway.Forthewarning.”Hesmiledwithpuresarcasm.
“Youdon’tbelieveme.That’sallright.Just...watchwhereyou’regoing.Please.”Sheturnedand

pulledupherhood.

Herecalledthatshe’dwalkedhere.
“Justasec,”hesaid.Hewenttothehallcloset,pulledoutashepherd’scoatandthrewiton.“I’ll

driveyouhome,”hesaid,digginginhispocketforhiscarkeys.Thenherememberedthathe’dput
themonthehookbesidethebackdoor.Withagrimace,heretrievedthem.

“Youshouldn’tdothat,”shebeganuneasily.

“What?Driveyouhome?It’salmostablizzard.Youcan’tevenseewhereyou’regoinginthis!”he

said,wavinghishandtowardthewindow.

“Hangyourkeysthere,”shefaltered.Therewasastrange,opaquelooktohereyes.“Youshouldn’t

dothat.He’llfindthemthereandgetaccesstothehouse.”

“He,who?”heasked.
Shelookedupathimandblinked.
“Nevermind,”hemuttered.“Comeon.”

***

T

HEY

WERE

GOING

intothegaragewhenDarbyHanespulledupinoneoftheotherranchpickups.He

gotout,shakingsnowofftheshouldersofhiswooljacket.HeseemedsurprisedtoseeMerissa,but
hetippedhishattoherandsmiled.

“Hi,Merissa,”hesaid.
Shesmiledback.“Hello,Mr.Hanes.”
“Beenridingfence,”hesaid,sighing.“Icamebacktogetthechainsaw.We’vegotatreeacrossa

fence.”Heshookhishead.“Badweather,andmoreforecast.”

Merissawasstaringathimwithoutspeaking.Shemovedastepcloser.“Mr.Hanes,pleasedon’t

takethisthewrongway...but...”Shebitherlip.“Youneedtotakesomebodywithyouwhenyoucutthe
treedown.”

Hegaveherawide-eyedlook.“Excuseme?”
Sheshifted,asifshewasstaggeringunderaburden.“Please?”
“Oh,no,notoneofthosepremonitions?”Darbylaughed.“Nooffense,MissBaker,butyouneedto

getoutmore!”

Sheflushed,embarrassed.
Tanknarrowedhiseyesashestudiedherdrawnfeatures.HeturnedbacktoDarby.“Let’serronthe

sideofcaution.TakeTimwithyou.”

Darbysighedandshookhishead.“Wasteofmanpower,butifyousayso,I’lldoit,boss.”
“Isayso.”
Darbyjustnodded.Hisexpressionwaseloquent.Darbyhadadegreeinphysicsandwasa

pragmatist.Hedidn’tbelieveinthatsupernaturalstuff.Tankdidn’t,either,butMerissa’sworriedface
hauntedhim.HejustgrinnedatDarby,whothrewuphishandsandwenttofindTim.

Tankledthewaytohisbigblackranchdouble-cabbedpickuptruckandhelpedherupintothe

passengerseat.

Shelookedaroundwithfascinationwhenheclimbedinunderthewheel,andstartedtheengine.
“Whatisit?”heasked.
“Canitcookanddolaundry,too?”shewonderedaloud,hereyesonallthedisplaysandcontrols.“I

mean,itlooksasifitcandoeverythingelse.Evensatelliteradio...”

“It’sabigranchandwespendalotoftimefarawayfromthehouse.WehaveGPS,cellphones,

younameit.Thetrucksareloadedwithelectronicsonpurpose.Plusbig,expensiveV-8engines,”he
addedwithawickedglanceofdarkeyes.“Ifweweren’tgreenfanaticswhogeneratedourown
energy,we’dbesingledoutforourinexcusableuseofgasoline.”

“IdriveaV-8,too,”shesaidwithashysmile.“Ofcourse,mineistwentyyearsoldanditonly

startswhenitwantsto.Itdidn’ttoday.”

Heshookhishead.“MaybeDarbyisright.Youdospendtoomuchtimealone.Youshouldgeta

job.”

“Ihaveone,”shesaid.“Idowebdesign.ItmeansIcanworkathome.”
“Youwon’tmeetmanypeoplethatway.”
Herexpressionwentstiff.“Icandowithoutmostpeople.Andtheycancertainlydowithoutme.You

saidityourself.PeoplethinkI’mawitch.”Shesighed.“OldMr.Barnes’smilkcowwentdryandhe
blamedme.HesaiditwasbecauseIlivednearhim.‘Everybodyknowsthatwitchescausethose
things,’hesaid.”

“Threatenhimwithalawsuit.Thatwillshuthimup.”
Sheblinkedandturnedherheadtowardhim.“Excuseme?”
“Hatespeech,”heelaborated.
“Oh.Isee.”Shesighed.“I’mafraiditwouldonlymakethingsworse.Insteadofthatwitchwoman,

I’dbethatwitchwomanwhosueseverybody.”

Hechuckled.
Shedrewinabreathandshivered.Shecouldbarelyseethroughtheblindingsnowashedrove.

“I’llbetyouhaveproblemsinthissortofweather.Theysaytheoldtraildriversusedtostaywiththe
cattleherdsduringstormsandsingtothem,tocalmthem,sotheywerelesslikelytostampede.The
onesIreadaboutweresummerstorms,though,withlightning.”

Hewaspleasantlysurprised.“Thoseoldtraildriversdidbabythecattle.Infact,wehaveacouple

ofsingingcowboyswhodonightdutyforuswiththeherds.”

“AretheirnamesRoyandGene?”
Thattookhimaminute.Thenheburstoutlaughing.“No.TimandHarry,actually.”
Shegrinned.Herwholefacelitup.Shewasverypretty,hethought.
“Goodone,”hetoldherwithanod.
Theywerenearinghercabin.Itwasn’tmuchtolookat.Ithadbelongedtoahermitbeforethe

BakersboughtitaboutthetimeMerissawasborn.Hermother ’shusbandhadleftsuddenlywhenshe
wasten.Peoplewhisperedaboutthereason.Mostpeoplelocallythoughtitwashermother ’seerie
abilitiesthathadsenthimtothedivorcecourt.

Tankstoppedthetruck.
“Thanksfortheride,”shesaid,pullingupherhood.“Butyoudidn’thavetodothis.”
“Iknow.Thanksforthewarning.”Hehesitated.“Whatdidyousee,aboutDarby?”heasked,hating

himselfforthequestion.

Sheswallowed,hard.“Anaccident.Butifhetakessomeonewithhim,Ithinkitwillbeallright.”

Sheheldupahand.“Iknow,youdon’tbelieveinallthishoodoo.Idon’tknowwhyIwascursedwith
visions.IjusttellwhatIknow,whenIthinkitwillhelp.”Hersofteyesmethisdarkones.“You’ve
beenkindtousovertheyears,allofyou.Whenwecouldn’tgetoutbecauseofsnowdrifts,you’d
sendgroceries.Whenthecargotstuckonetime,youhadacowboydriveushomeandgetthecar
out.”Shesmiled.“You’reakindperson.Idon’twantanythingbadtohappentoyou.SomaybeI’m
crazy.Butpleasewatchyourbackanyway.”

Hesmiledgently.“Okay.”
Shesmiled,shyly,andclimbedoutofthetruck.Sheclosedthedoorbehindherandranforthe

porch.Herredcape,againstthefluffywhitesnow,remindedhimoftheheroineinamoviehe’dseen
aboutawerewolf.Theredwasstark,likeblood,inthatbackgroundofpurewhite.

Anolderwoman,withsilverhair,waswaiting.ShelookedpastMerissaandwavedalittle

awkwardly.Merissawaved,too.Theybothwentinsidequickly.

Tanksatwiththeengineidling,staringatthecloseddoorforaminutebeforeheputthetruckin

gearanddroveoff.

***

“W

HAT

IN

THE

worldareyoulaughingabout?”Malloryaskedhisbrotherashecameintotheliving

roomlater.Malloryandhiswife,Morie,hadababyboyjustafewmonthsold—HarrisonBarlow
Kirk.Theywerejustnowabletosleepatnight,tothereliefofeveryoneinthehousehold.Ofcourse,
Cane,themiddlebrother,andhiswife,Bodie,wereexpecting.Soitwouldbeginalloveragaininthe
spring.Nobodyminded.Thebrotherswereallgooeyoverthebaby.

AhugeChristmastreesatinthecorner,withpresentsalreadypileduptothefirstsetoflimbs.It

wasanartificialtree.Moriewasallergictotheliveones.

Tankwaschuckling.“YouremembertheBakers?”
“Thestrangefolkinthecabin?”Mallorysaidwithagrin.“Merissaandhermother,Clara.Sure.”
“Merissacameovertowarnmeaboutanassassinationattempt.”
Mallorydidadoubletake.“Awhat?”
“Shesaysamaniscomingtokillme.”
“Wouldyouliketoexplainwhy?”
“ShesaiditwasrelatedtotheshootinginArizona,whenIwaswiththeborderpatrol,”he

explained,stilluneasyfromthememory.“OneoftheshootersthinksIcouldrecognizehis
companionandcausetroubleforapoliticianwhoplanstorunforfederaloffice.Drug-relatedstuff.”

“Howdidsheknow?”
Tankmadeaweirdsoundandwavedhishands.“Shehadavision!”
“Iwouldn’tlaughtoohardatthat,”Mallorysaidstrangely.“Shewarnedalocalwomanabout

drivingacrossabridge.Shesaidshehadavisionofitcollapsing.Thewomanwentoveritanywaya
daylaterandthebridgefelloutfromunderher.Shebarelysurvived.”

Tankfrowned.“Eerie.”
“Somepeoplehaveabilitiesthatotherpeopledon’tbelievein,”Malloryreplied.“Every

communityhassomebodywhocantalkoutfireortalkoffwarts,dowseforwater,evengetglimpses
ofthefuture.Itisn’tlogical...youcan’tproveitbyscientificmethod.ButI’veseenitinaction.You
mightrecallthatwehaveawellbecauseIhiredadowsertocomeouthereandfindwaterforus.”

“Awaterwitch.”Tankshivered.“Well,Idon’tbelieveinthatstuffandIneverwill.”
“IjusthopeMerissawaswrong.”Heclappedanaffectionatearmacrosshisbrother ’sshoulders.

“I’dhatetoloseyou.”

Tanklaughed.“Youwon’t.I’vesurvivedawarandahandgunattack.IguessmaybeI’m

indestructible.”

“Nobodyisthat.”
“Iwaslucky,then.”
Mallorylaughed.“Very.”

***

D

ALTON

SAT

DOWN

withhislaptop,havingrecalledMerissa’sstatementaboutasheriffinsouthTexas

beingshot.

Hesippedcoffeeandlaughedathimselfforevenbelievingsuchawildtale.Untilhelooked

throughrecentSanAntonionewsreportsanddiscoveredthatasheriffinJacobsCounty,southofSan
Antonio,hadbeenthevictimofarecentassassinationattemptbypersonsunknown,butbelievedtobe

involvedwithanotoriousdrugcartelacrosstheborderinMexico.

Tankcaughthisbreathandgapedatthescreen.SheriffHayesCarsonofJacobsCounty,Texas,had

beenwoundedbyawould-beassassininNovember,andlaterkidnapped,alongwithhisfiancée,by
membersofadrugcartelfromovertheborder.Thesheriffandhisfiancée,whowasalocal
newspaperpublisher,hadgivenabriefinterviewabouttheirordeal.Theleaderofthedrugcartel
himself,whomhisenemiescalledElLadŕon—thethief—waskilledbywhatwasdescribedashand
grenadestossedunderhisarmoredcarnearatowncalledCotillo,acrosstheborderinMexico.The
assassinhadn’tbeencaught.

Tankleanedbackinhischairwitharoughsigh.HewasdisturbedbywhatMerissahadtoldhim

abouthisownordeal,detailsthatonlyhisbrothersandmembersoflawenforcementhadeverknown.
Shecouldn’thavefoundoutinanyconventionalway.

Unless...well,shehadacomputer.Shedidwebsitedesign.
Hisbrainwasworkingovertime.Shehadenoughexpertisetobeabletobreakintoprotectedfiles.

Thathadtobeit.Somehow,she’dmanagedtoaccessthatinformationabouthimfromsome
governmentwebsite.

Thedifficultieswiththattheorydidn’tpenetratehisconfusedbrain.Hewasn’twillingtoconsider

theideathatayoungwomanwhobarelyknewhimhadsomesupernaturalaccesstohismind.
Everyonewithanysenseknewthatpsychicswereswindlerswhojusttoldpeoplewhattheywantedto
hearandmadealivingatit.Therewasnosuchthingasprecognitionoranyofthoseotherthings.

Hewasasmartman.Hehadadegree.HeknewthatitwasimpossibleforMerissatogetthat

informationexceptthroughphysical,andprobablyillegal,means.

Buthowdidsheknowthathe’dforgottendetailsofhisordeal,likethemaninthesuit,theDEA

agent,who’dledhimintotheambushandthendisappeared?

Heturnedoffthecomputerandgottohisfeet.Therehadtobealogical,rationalexplanationfor

allthis.Hejusthadtofindit.

He’dlefthiscarkeysinthetruck.Hethrewonhiscoatandtrudgedoutthroughthesnowtothe

garagetogetthem.Thesnowwasgettingreallydeep.Ifitdidn’tletup,theyweregoingtohaveto
implementsomeemergencyprocedurestogetfeedtothecattlestrandedinthefarpastures.

Wyominginsnowstormscouldbeadeadlyplace.Herememberedreadingaboutpeoplewhowere

strandedandfrozetodeathinverylittletime.HethoughtaboutMerissaandhermother,Clara,all
aloneinthatisolatedcabin.Hehopedtheyhadplentyoffirewoodandprovisions,justincase.He’d
havetosendDarbyover.

HefrownedashenoticedthatDarbywasn’tbackyet.Ithadbeenseveralhours.Hepulledouthis

cellphoneandcalledDarby’snumber.

ItwasTimwhoanswered.
“Oh,hi,boss,”Timsaid.“IstartedtocallyoubutIwantedtomakesurefirst.Darbygothitwitha

limbwhenwebroughtthetreedown.”

“What?”Daltonexploded.
“He’sgoingtobeokay,”Timsaidquickly.“Bruisedhimabitandbrokearib,sohe’llbeoutof

commissionforabit,butnothingtoobad.Hesaidifhe’dbeentherealone,he’dprobablybedead.
Treepinnedhim,yousee.Iwasabletogetitoff.ButifIhadn’tgonewithhim...Hesaysheoweshis
lifetothatlittleBakergirl.”

Daltonletoutthebreathhe’dbeenholding.“Yeah,”hemurmuredunsteadily.“Ibelievehejust

might.”

“SorryIdidn’tcallsooner,”Timadded,“butittookusawhiletogettotown,tothedoc.We’llhead

backinafewminutes.HavetogobythepharmacytopickupsomemedsforDarby.”

“Okay.Drivecarefully,”Tanksaid.
“Youbet,boss.”
Daltonhungupthecellphone.Hewasalmostwhite.Mallory,comingintotheroomwitha

steamingcupofcoffee,stoppedshort.

“What’swrong?”heasked.
“Ijustgotcuredofmyskepticalattitudeaboutpsychicphenomena,”Tanksaid,andlaughedshortly.

Copyright©2013byDianaPalmer

ISBN-13:9781460341612

WyomingStrong

Copyright©2014byDianaPalmer

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